Frequently Asked Questions

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. I have the time to genuinely know you, your history, your preferences, and your family. › Read more: Why continuity of care matters

A doula is a trained birth companion who provides emotional and practical support but they are not a registered healthcare professional and cannot provide clinical care. As an independent midwife I frequently work alongside doulas in the same birth space or postnatally, and as a midwife my care includes all clinical aspects of care that you or baby need. › Read more: Private midwife vs doula — what’s the difference?

That’s entirely your choice, I can provide all the care at home that you would receive from an NHS midwife. I’ll liaise with your hospital of choice to let them know you’ve booked an independent midwife and to arrange any appointments you may need, such as consultant reviews or specialist scans.

Again, this is completely your choice. I can provide all postnatal care at home that your baby would normally receive from the NHS. I’m a NIPE practitioner and can carry out this check within the first 72 hours for home births. I’ll liaise with your local screening department to arrange your baby’s hearing screen and to confirm completion of the newborn blood spot test. › Read more: What is postnatal care? Supporting families after birth

Absolutely not. My role is to provide evidence-based information and then 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, I am here for you, not for a particular agenda.

Plans can and do change, and that’s completely normal. I’ll always support whatever feels right for you in the moment. If you need or want to transfer to hospital at any point during labour, I’ll come with you, hand over professionally, and continue to advocate for you. › Read more: Navigating maternity care — empowering your decisions.

Yes and that’s one of the most valued things my clients tell me about working together. You’ll have my direct number. No switchboards, no on-call teams, no wondering whether your concern is ‘worth bothering someone’. If something is worrying you at 2am, you can reach me.

I cover North East Derbyshire, South Yorkshire, and the East Midlands. If you’re unsure whether you’re within my area, just get in touch, I’m always happy to have a chat.