Independent Midwifes

[robbie]

I'm thinking of using an independent midwife for my antenatal care and to go into hospital with me for the birth of my child. Basically the hospital I'm down for is so short-staffed I can't actually get through to them by phone and the waiting times are horrible. What's more I've heard some pretty bad stories about people's birth experiences. Yet they have an excellent special care unit and I'd like to be there in case anything went seriously wrong. So taking my own midwife might be the answer. Has anyone done this - do you know how much it costs - will they guarantee to come to the hospital with you when the time comes?

Hi Pupuce,
I'm down to go to UCH and live in the Highbury area. A doula may be a good option - do you have any idea about what sort of reception they would receive at UCH, though?

Pardon my ignorance but what is UCH (is that a University Hospital ?) - What about contacting a doula near you and asking her... she will know. She could tell you what sort of service she offers, costs, etc and what is her experience/relationship with your hospital.

You can interview all the doulas you want (some may charge you for a first visit but would not for a phone chat). It is important to have a doula (or an independent MW) who you relate to well.
Some doulas have insurance (I will when I start), some don't because strictly speaking they are NOT offering medical advice.

To find a doula in your area go to : www.doula.org.uk

A great book on doulas and what they do and how useful (efficient) they can be is "Mothering the Mother" - I highly recommend it.

If you need more info don't hesitate to ask

Hi Pupuce,
Yes UCH is University College Hospital - off Tottenham Court Road. Thanks for the info, I'll let you know what I decide.

Robbie, just a thought - have you been on the premises at UCH lately? I went past it the other day by chance and it is a total building site - might explain the disorganised way they have been returning calls lately.

Robbie, I know someone who lives near me (N4/N5) who just gave birth at home with help of an indy midwife...I'll try & find out her details if you like.

Thanks bundle, that would be great. Went to UCH for my first scan. All was chaos - they'd lost one of the list of appointments, new receptionist couldn't work the computer so couldn't make next appointment BUT once I got in there the radiologist was great. Seems to be the way - medical care is v good, everything else is crap!

robbie, it'll be next week at the earliest that I'll be able to get back to you re: indy midwife, but I'll definitely try for a name/number.
I'm sure the chaos at UCH is pretty standard. I was at the Whittington and the grime could really get you down if you stopped & thought about it - as could the teen mums brought in for scans from Holloway prison, handcuffed to officers!

Robbie, I had my first at UCH and it was fine. The hospital does look a bit grim (and the antenatal clinic is the worst of the lot) but the care was excellent and like you I found it reassuring that they had excellent facilities on site to cope with any emergency.

My answer for changing dates etc was to go to the clinic. They never answer the phone. The location does have the benefit that if you are attending the clinic you can ask them how long it will take for you to be seen (usually an hour plus) and then go shopping on Oxford Street!

Bundle - the teen mum probably has a doula as it is a standard service offered at Holloway (all volunteers!)