finding independent midwife in Oxford

[rosalia]

I'm wondering if any one could recommend an independent midwife working in Oxford? They need to be happy with VDAC as I had a C-section for my first child. Or if anyone has any tips on how to find a good midwife (there are lots on midwifes with web pages, but its impossible to know who would be good from that information!).

Nb - for this birth, ideally, I'd like to be at home and in water.

Thanks!

Hi I hired an independent midwife in Oxford. Our son is now 4 weeks old. Google Purple Walnut Midwife or look her up on facebook where you will find some photos of me in the bath moments after the birth (my second VBAC).

There is a meeting for homebirthers in Oxford next Weds evening. It meets monthly.

Hear hear to Purple Walnut... Liz Nightingale is the midwife that operates a service under that name. She delivered several of my friends in the Didcot area when she was still NHS and they lurrrrve her.

I'm sure she'll go up to Oxford, but if not she'll be able to point you in the right direction.

I'm using Rosie Kacary, The Ridgeway Midwife. I'm aiming for a VBAC, and she has attended many of these. I can't vouch for her performance during birth, as I am still pregnant, but she has been lovely so far.

I've recommended Meg Miskin-Garside to a couple of my friends, who've both been very happy with her.

She's absolutely great!

Thank you all so much for the recommendations - I really appreciate it. Since they are both 'tried and tested' I'll contact both Liz Nightingale and Meg Miskin - first off to see if they are available for my due dates, and if so will try and arrange to meet them and see how we get on. Pandora69 - let me know how you get on with Rosie Kacary!

motherofsnortpigs - could you give me some more information for the group that meet up?

thank you!

Liz

Hi rosalia
We are meeting at 59, Charlbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6UX this Wednesday at 8.30pm

Last time I went both Liz and Meg were there so you can suss them out!

I think I have enabled the contact a poster on my account so get in touch if you want a lift/need any more info.

Hi,

That is really kind of you! I'd love to go and a lift would be extremely helpful.

I tried to see your contact details - but I think I may have to change my status on Mumsnet to see them. Do you know? Anyway, I may just be missing something but am feeling very tired right now (extreme fatigue with this pregnancy) so am going to bed and will have another look tomorrow.

thank you again!

Liz

p.s. I live in Headington - if that was too out out of your way I could get taxis

Try the 'contact poster' button by this post?
Anyway, if that fails just phone/text me 07747 696241. In fact use the phone number!
Claire

Hi rosalia hope you dont mind me hijacking this thread but im also in oxford and having a home birth and wanted to ask motherofsnortpigs about the meeting (also tried to CAT but havnt paid my £5). Is it open to anyone having a homebirth and would i be able to come to the next one and when is it? Are the meetings always at 8.30pm as im also suffering extreme fatigue and mostly in bed by then Im already 32 weeks so was thinking id probably left it too late to go to any groups but would like to.

sorry again for the hijack Rosalia and maybe see you at a meeting

Hi Bexybear,

Don't be daft - of course its ok to join in. If you look above motherofsnortpigs gave the following info:

"We are meeting at 59, Charlbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6UX this Wednesday at 8.30pm"

she has kindly offered to give me a lift tonight - so I hope to be there

thats all the information I have

best

Liz

p.s. I know what you mean about it being late -- I go to bed at 9pm too! (even though am only 20 weeks still getting a lot of nausea and lots of fatigue). Hope you can make it at least this once.

Hi Rosalia

Hope it went well last night and you managed to stay upright past 9pm! The nausea/fatigue combo is driving me insane and tends to be worse pm. I couldnt make last night as DH plays footy on wednesdays and bit short notice thats why i was wondering when the next one would be...

Let me know if you have details and maybe see you there...?

Cheers

bex

Bexybear,

The meeting was good. I was tired but it was interesting so stayed awake!

It definitely made me keen (even keener than I was) to have the baby here at home. I'm prob going to go with independent midwife option as NHS not so supportive of home births VBAC.

They meet monthly usually on Wednesdays, and I will definitely make sure to let you know (here) about the next one!

Sorry you are feeling ill - hope all goes well with your last weeks of pregnancy - not too long to go now!

Hi Rosalia

Thanks I will keep a check on here for the next meeting (sometime in march?). Think IM is a great idea especially for a VBAC. we have just found a doula and feeling very relieved now that is sorted...

now gotta sleep!

Hi rosalia How was the consultant's meeting?

The home birth meeting was great and then I had my usual Thursday of ferrying children and then went out Thursday evening and have therefore designated today as a day off (lots of DVDs and pyjamas!)

bexybear you'd be really welcome at the meeting. If you have a baby to show off and a story to tell, so much the better. I'll probably only go again if I have another baby, but I hope that is a little way off.

Another vote for Liz Nightingale or her colleague Sarah Ifill. They were my midwives for my antenatal care with DD and are fab! Gutted they are no longer with NHS as I'm now expecting 2nd DC.

mother of snort pigs,

The consultant meeting was fine. She did advise me to have the baby in hospital and with continuous monitoring, but she was supportive of the fact that I might make a different choice. I am pretty much fixed on home birth with Independent Midwife -- still fixing up who (checking out availability etc.) Should know asap and will let you know!

thanks for your support

bexy bear

I will def go to the next meeting and will def let you know when and where it is!

and thanks to everyone who posted and gave me advice/recommendations!

Hi motherofsnortpigs

Just to let you know - I booked with sarah ifil. I liked all three of Liz , Meg and Sarah, but Sarah was completely free that month so the decision was made for me! Have also spoekn to Liz and Meg on the phone and all three have been very supportive.

All the best and thanks again for your advice.

liz

Glad you made a decision. Sarah is lovely. Hope the rest of your pregnancy and birth go really well. x

Bexybear,

I am very sorry for the short notice - and I hope you see this- because the homebirth group is TODAY at 8:30 pm at 8:30pm, 59 Charlbury Road, Oxford, OX2 6UX (07748 644927).

If you want a ride then IM back because my midwife is picking me up and she said she might be able to take another.

Again, so sorry for short notice. I haven't been on mums net for a while L

Really hope you see this and can come.

best

Liz

sorry -- that mobile number was misposted from another email - please igonroe it

the address is correct though

.. and if you want my mobile no its 07743 495453