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Childbirth

independent midwife

12 replies

adele1 · 21/07/2007 00:34

Hi Has anyone taken a independent midwife to a NHS birth?

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Genidef · 21/07/2007 06:26

yes. still great value.

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geekgirl · 21/07/2007 07:08

I took one to hospital afterwards (complications following home birth) and they were very shitty and rude to her. 'Tis apparently a common problem and not something you want to have to deal with when in labour, so make sure your midwife and the hospital staff get on with each other.

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annobal · 21/07/2007 07:52

Yes. I wanted to have a home birth but it didn't work out that way. It was great to have IMW in the room as she knew me and knew what I wanted. She really took the pressure off DH as well who could just be there to support me and leave the IMW to look after my best interests and wishes. It did help that she has a great relationship with the hospital and was even allowed in the theatre with me. Absolutely worth every penny!

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adele1 · 23/07/2007 22:31

Thank you all for writing. I will definately check with the hospital if they will be happy to have a IMW at the birth. Does anyone know of one who would cover the Pinner, Middlesex area?

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NotQuiteCockney · 23/07/2007 22:34

I think there's a website for independent midwives.

I had my midwife with me for both my sections, and it was great. But we were in a hospital that she did bank work at, so she knew her way around. I am sure I got better treatment than I would have had, otherwise, because I had my mw with me.

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DobbyMOO · 23/07/2007 22:38

Virtually no hospitals will allow independent midwives to care for clients on NHS premises - transferring in from a home birth is a different situation and the independent midwife would then be there as a supporter and wouldn't be allowed to actually do anything to you.

I guess it depends a bit on what you are wanting from an independent midwife - if it's the one to one support then it might be worth considering a doula who will be able to do this (and much cheaper too!)

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NotQuiteCockney · 23/07/2007 22:40

Hmmm, technically they aren't allowed, I know, insurance etc etc, but practically, my midwife was allowed to help, she did one of my bloods (after the hospital midwife botched one arm), I think she did something with a catheter once, and she certainly was involved, although she was only technically a supporter.

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adele1 · 24/07/2007 23:54

I haven't phoned a IMW yet for more info about being at the hospital. Does a Doula know about medical stuff or is she just there for support? It's just I had a very difficult time with my first delivery and after the midwives at the hospital weren't very helpful or kind! I'm very anxious with the thought of trying for a 2nd and delivering in hospital but with my complications with the 1st I don't think I would be able to have it at home?

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DobbyMOO · 25/07/2007 08:32

How much a doula knows will depend a bit on the doula - at the very least she would be able to get some answers from the midwives/medics, which can be difficult when you're in the middle of it yourself, as well as acting as your advocate.

You have a legal right to a homebirth, regardless of what happened in previous births, although you may be advised not to! Without wanting to be nosey can you tell us a bit more about what happened last time? Often things are actually more likely to go wrong in hospital because it can be more difficult to labour effectively in hospital than at home, which can cause complications. Lots of people who've had a difficult first time around choose to be at home the next time and have very straightforward births.

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BunnyBaby · 25/07/2007 09:12

Hello. I'm in Ruislip and I have a lovely independent midwife called Melissa Quinn. I am currently 21 weeks along and this is my first baby. her contact details are on her website: www.rubymidwife.co.uk/

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hertsnessex · 25/07/2007 09:30

have to say that melissa is great, have met with her a few months back and she is a great midwife.

cx

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adele1 · 26/07/2007 23:23

Wow, Thanks everyone for being so kind and helpful. This is the first time I started a thread I wish I had done more before!
Thanks for the details on melissa. We are hopefully moving at the end of next month and then thought we would try for another. I just wanted to be a little more organised, if that's possible! We had a 6hr wait for a bed which was given then taken back and so we went home and came back the next day,I lost alot of blood with my 1st and had to have a 4 pint blood transfusion and passed out for a bit. I had 3 sets of midwives, the last was inexperienced AND brought a student, induced labour, 2 long needles in both hands which they wouldn't take out for days! Mean people on night duty who refused to help me with my new born plus more...... so that's why I really want a kind professional with me!

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