Private Midwife Recommendation Wanted - E1 London

[Rachel08]

Hi Everyone
I'm pregnant for the first time (8.5 weeks) and completely bamboozled by the birthing options available through the NHS and Private Clinic. Considering hiring a private midwife and wondering if anyone can recommend a good one who covers the E1 area of London. Any help much appreciated!
Rachel

I haven't done it myself, but my friend was booked into the birthing centre at Whipps Cross hospital and they had private midwives who were authorised to attend births at the hospital. I thought it was good, because if you for example, wanted a home birth, but got transferred, she could still have her private midwife there. More usually a private midwife wouldn't be allowed to actually attend - other than in a supportive role, iyswim.

Maybe your local hospital is a good place to start?

Independent midwives are only allowed to accompany you into hospital in a doula role, not to actually deliver you tehre. Whipps Cross is our nearest hospital - I think this used to be the case, that IMs were allowed to practice in hospital, but I'm pretty confident they aren't allowed to do this at this time and that it's a blanket UK thing. I am in E18 and have just employed an IM who is fab and who I had for my previous birth. Not sure she goes all the way to E1 though - but have you had a look at this website:

www.independentmidwives.org.uk/

I tried to look for you but you have to enter a full postcode.

If you do that, and then CAT me, I can try to find out if my IM has heard of any of the recommendations it pulls up and what she thinks.

This is from the IM site:

Q: If I get transferred to hospital will you still be able to look after me?

Independent midwives are able to stay with you in hospital in case of transfer. However, it is difficult to gain honorary contracts within most NHS trusts (although there are a few exceptions), therefore it is unlikely that your Independent Midwife will continue to care for you, she can however stay with you as your supporter. If a caesarean section is needed, most hospitals will allow your Independent midwife into theatre with you and your partner

Twelve year gap may be right but i'd be surprised my IM hadn't told me about it...but definitely worth checking.

Hi,
I'd like to recommend South London Independent Midwives who cover your area. I used them for both my last two babies.

By way of extra recommendation I also know 3 NCT antenatal teachers locally who've used this practice for their own births and think they're brilliant.

Tina, Annie and Teresa are all mature women with decades of experience between them. They have experience of breech birth at home, twins and high risk cases (like mine - I had gestational diabetes) as well as lots of straightforward births. I think they're also cheaper than some other local midwives (Caroline Flint's practice charges £4500, last thing I heard SLIM were charging £2800, though that might have changed).

As for not birthing your baby in hospital - yes, this is true, in theory. However, in practice IM, despite the lack of honourary contracts are often very 'hands on' because the NHS midwives are usually happy to share the care. My independent midwife was the one who made all the important clinical decisions (obviously after discussion with me)and 'caught' my baby when I had to be transferred in to hospital from home because my labour wasn't progressing.

Their website is: www.southlondonindependentmidwives.co.uk/

Honestly - I cannot recommend them highly enough. They are amazing women!

An ind midwife called Betty would have delivered my friend's baby at Whipps Cross last Aug if she hadn't needed a CS in the end. Perhaps there are just a few of them...

I believe Whipps Cross advised my friend which local IM's could practise at their maternity unit.

Hi, I've had 2 babies in E1 (due 3rd in April) but not terribly qualified to answer your question as I have always had home births. However, have you considered the Barkantine birthing centre in the Isle of Dogs? My colleague (who is also due in April) is going to have hers there. She says it is fantastic, 'like a 5* hotel'. Very newly opened and meant to be very nice. Open to all THamlets residents.

I went for a tour there on the weekend (I'm due in March)and it is very nice. Midwife-led, so no epidurals. There is a list of exclusions, so worth speaking to your gp or midwife to get them to refer you to it.

hi rachel08
I am having my baby at the royal london in E1 (due in March) and am also looking for an indie midwife. My problem is that I live in E18 and would like someone who is prepared to come and see me at home AND come as far as the hospital. I called Betty Kellet (I think someone mentioned her above) but the hospital is too far for her to come.
I really want to find someone that comes recommended rather than found randomly on the net. So, my next port of call is to ask my NCT teacher. My SIL said that her NCT teacher knew quite a few local midwives and doulas so I'll try that tonight at the class.

If I find someone I should be able to give you some feedback in a matter of weeks !!!!

Hi Rachel08 I live in E14 and am 13 weeks on a similar search.

Have you considered the Barkantine Birth Centre? I am going there to view the facilities next week.

www.thpct.nhs.uk/uploads/services/pdf/(PC)_BirthCentre.pdf