Question 1

What is an independent midwife, and how is this different from NHS care?

Accepted Answer

An independent midwife is a fully qualified, NMC-registered midwife who works outside the NHS to provide truly personalised, one-to-one care. The biggest difference is continuity — you will have the same midwife at every appointment, and the same midwife at your birth. No rotas, no handovers, no strangers in the room.

Question 2

What is the difference between a private midwife and a doula?

Accepted Answer

A doula is a trained birth companion who provides emotional and practical support, but is not a registered healthcare professional and cannot provide clinical care. As an independent midwife, Sally frequently works alongside doulas, and her care includes all clinical aspects of care that you or baby need.

Question 3

Do I still need to see an NHS midwife?

Accepted Answer

That's entirely your choice. Sally can provide all the care at home that you would receive from an NHS midwife. She'll liaise with your hospital of choice and arrange any appointments you may need, such as consultant reviews or specialist scans.

Question 4

Will I need NHS midwives after baby is born?

Accepted Answer

That is completely your choice. Sally can provide all postnatal care at home that your baby would normally receive from the NHS. She is a NIPE practitioner and can carry out the newborn check within the first 72 hours for home births.

Question 5

Will you judge my choices around birth, feeding, or parenting?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely not. Sally's role is to provide evidence-based information and support whatever decision is right for you and your family — whether you're planning a home birth or an elective caesarean, breastfeeding or formula feeding.

Question 6

What if my plans change — for example if I decide I want to go to hospital?

Accepted Answer

Plans can and do change, and that's completely normal. If you need or want to transfer to hospital at any point during labour, Sally will come with you, hand over professionally, and continue to advocate for you.

Question 7

Can I contact you at any time during my pregnancy?

Accepted Answer

Yes — and that's one of the most valued things clients say about working with Sally. You'll have her direct number. No switchboards, no on-call teams. If something is worrying you at 2am, you can reach her.

Question 8

What areas do you cover?

Accepted Answer

Sally covers North East Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, and the East Midlands. If you are unsure whether you are within her area, just get in touch.

Question 9

Can I have bloods and scans with the NHS, or do I need to have them privately?

Accepted Answer

Both options are available. The complete birth package includes booking bloods, third trimester bloods, and NIPT testing. NIPT screens for chromosomal conditions such as Down syndrome with around 99% accuracy. Ultrasound scans are not included but Sally can help arrange these privately.

Question 10

Can I have a home birth even if it is my first baby?

Accepted Answer

Yes, absolutely. Home birth is a safe and valid choice for first-time mothers, and the evidence supports this. Sally carries full emergency equipment to every birth and is trained in obstetric emergencies.

Question 11

What if I have had a previous caesarean — can I still plan a home birth?

Accepted Answer

Sally supports VBAC (vaginal birth after caesarean) and HBAC (home birth after caesarean). She will work with you to look at your individual history, risks, and wishes. She believes in informed choice, not blanket restrictions.

Question 12

What do you bring to a home birth?

Accepted Answer

Sally brings a full set of clinical equipment including everything needed for emergency management, neonatal resuscitation, IV access, and medications to stop bleeding. She also provides Entonox (gas and air), and loans a TENS machine and birth pool to clients on a full package.

Question 13

What should I do if I am worried about my baby movements?

Accepted Answer

Always contact Sally or your maternity unit straight away if your baby is moving less than usual, movements feel weaker, or you simply feel uncertain. The threshold for calling is low — uncertainty alone is enough. Never use a home doppler as a substitute for assessment.

Question 14

What are the stages of labour and how will I know when to call you?

Accepted Answer

Contact Sally when your contractions are becoming regular and strong, when your waters release, or if you simply want to ask questions or feel you need support — trust your instincts. She will give you clear guidance at your antenatal appointments.

Question 15

What does postnatal care include, and how long does it last?

Accepted Answer

Postnatal care is far more than tick-box checks. Sally will visit you regularly at home in those early days and weeks, checking your physical recovery, your baby's weight and wellbeing, your feeding journey, and how you are emotionally.

Question 16

What is an IBCLC, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

IBCLC stands for International Board Certified Lactation Consultant — the highest qualification in lactation support. As an IBCLC, Sally can assess complex feeding difficulties, work with tongue tie, and provide clinical expertise that goes well beyond peer support.

Question 17

How do I know if my baby might have a tongue tie?

Accepted Answer

Common signs include painful or shallow latch, nipple damage, baby clicking at the breast, poor weight gain, and unsettled feeding. Some tongue ties are visible; many are not — which is why a thorough assessment by a trained practitioner matters.

Question 18

Do you offer a payment plan?

Accepted Answer

Yes. To secure a booking Sally asks for a 25% deposit. The remaining balance can then be split into four monthly instalments. Get in touch to discuss your due date and she will work out a plan that suits you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an independent midwife, and how is this different from NHS care?

What is the difference between a private midwife and a doula?

Do I still need to see an NHS midwife?

Will I need NHS midwives after baby is born?

Will you judge my choices around birth, feeding, or parenting?

What if my plans change? eg, if I decide I want to go to hospital?

Can I contact you at any time during my pregnancy?

What areas do you cover?

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