Do you provide birth-only care? Or give discounts if I’m already in the second or third trimester?

What makes midwifery care safe (because birth is as safe as life gets!) is a trusting relationship. My intrapartum insurance provider stipulates a minimum of three antenatal contacts prior to birth and in addition to the insurance requirement, I would want to get to know you, your family, your values and have you get to know and trust me. In some cases this can happen quickly, and in others having time and space to form a relationship is important.

In addition, unfortunately, it is the birth bit that costs as Independent Midwives are required to purchase private insurance products per birth (NHS birth services are covered by NHS insurance products) so going for a ‘birth only’ care package isn’t going to reduce the cost significantly.

Some midwives do offer discounts and I can signpost you to them, however, I personally don’t feel comfortable offering anyone a financial incentive to reduce antenatal care. I believe getting to know one another is what makes birth care safe.

However, because I am with woman, I would consider taking on short notice clients on a case-by-case basis.

If you want to reduce the financial burden then booking early to minimise repayments is the easiest way.

Which locations do you cover?

I live in south Birmingham, UK, and I cover the West Midlands/Worcestershire region as well as Shropshire, Staffordshire and Warwickshire.

My midwife partner Mollie lives in the East Midlands and so in partnership with her, my ‘patch’ is extended across Nottinghamshire, south Derbyshire and Leicestershire. If you live in one of these counties, Mollie would usually be your lead midwife and I would second.

Shared care (50/50) is also available.

How far do you travel?

I am prepared to travel up to two hours each way. If there is another Independent Midwife closer to you, I can signpost you to them, however, you are always free to chose your own IM. In the past two years I have travelled as far as Sherwood, Gloucestershire and Market Harborough from my home postcode of B45. Travel time is important to take into account if you think you’re likely to have a fast birth, and/or would like daily support postnatally.

Do I need to be ‘low risk’ to employ an Independent Midwife?

I believe that midwifery care should be universal and that all women should be supported to have a homebirth if that is your informed choice. National guidelines support midwives to provide home-based care to all women, and I am confident in care planning and facilitating out-of-guidance birth safely and calmly.

Can you come to Hospital with me?

Yes, I am treated as a second birth partner in hospital. But of course I retain all my midwifery knowledge, training and skills; as well as my understanding of you and your choices. My role in a hospital environment is ongoing emotional and physical support, as well as advocacy.

Why employ me?

I might be your closest IM, we might share values about pregnancy and birth, or you might want care from someone who is a mother with young children too. Get in touch and we can discuss further!