few questions re: independent midwives

[vannah]

Im not having a homebirth, but because of the amount of neglect I had at the hospital with baby no1, Im nervous about things going wrong due to neglect with baby no2. (due next week)

1. worth hiring I/M just for peace of mind in case of neglect/lack of staff - or will I be left alone even more- ie staff at hospital may think 'well she already has someone with her' - even though theyre not insured to help medically.

1. Will it create hostility amongst midwives and doctors at the hospital (Im going to whittington) when they see an independent mw with me?

1. If the independent mw disagrees with the hosp mw or doctor does this not create great confusion for the parents?

1. Worth the money - we will have to dig deep for this despite all the reassurances that 'it will be a breeze second time round' - cant quite believe that...

thankyou

What about a doula ?
Less expensive and might be just what you need.

I think you are going to find it difficult to find an IM who is free at such short notice tbh - most will only take on a couple of clients a month and tend to get booked up very quickly. Some may also be unwilling to attend a planned hospital birth. I think your best bet is to start phoning round and see if you can find one who is free and discuss it all with her.

I think your best bet is to get an IM onthe phone and ask these questions. Independent midwifery is under attack atm and I'm not sure what the situation is re working within hospitals. If you google your area you are bound to find one.
A doula would be much cheaper at this stage (IMs cost about £2.5K, a doula a fifth of that or less) and would ensure that you were never left alone. She isn't medically qualified though.
You CAN ask for a homebirth at this stage - just based on what you've written, that sounds like a much nicer plan than hospital anyway, doula or no doula, IM or no IM!

Have you spoken to the supervisor of midwives about your concerns? It might reassure you a little if they know in advance that they should be allocating a very experienced midwife to your delivery.

thanks all- have spoken to one who may be available. Good idea will call supervisor of midwives. thought about doula - but wanted medical input incase anything was going wrong...

good luck vannah. Hope you get a positive birth experience this time and your baby has a peaceful and safe entry into the world.