And if so, why, and would you recommend it?
I had a really awful birth with DD, partly due to negligence/mistakes by the midwife-led unit I went to (I'm consultant led this time). I also had problems with BF from the start and virtually no support (in fact pressure not to) which meant it ultimately failed after a few weeks.
I'm now trying to work out how I can have a better birth and get proper BF advice before and after DC2 arrives. I quite like the idea of having the backup of a trained midwife who's dedicated to me. I know they can't deliver the baby at the hospital, but I'd imagine they can support and advise you through the labour as a birth companion? I know I could have a doula which would be cheaper, but their knowledge and skills seem a bit variable from the ones I've met.
Thanks for your thoughts!