gracewife.co.uk

Birth Care with Nicky

My full independent midwifery package includes all antenatal and postnatal care as outlined in each section, plus midwifery care for birth.

I believe every woman has the right to give birth in the way that is best for her and her baby and I work with each woman to work out what is best for her in her individual circumstances. I have been attending home births as primary midwife since 2004 and have developed a range of skills and experience in supporting women wanting undisturbed home births; if this sounds like something that appeals to you then please contact me for a no-obligation discussion.

I see birth as a very significant event in each woman’s and baby’s life with many aspects including biological, psychological, social, emotional and spiritual. Probably the most important thing any midwife can do is support a woman with care and sensitivity, while exercising clinical skills and judgement. In the case of a home birth, this will mean that the woman is free to follow the cues of her body in labour which usually means an active birth. If complications arise or there are signs that all is not well, it is wise to seek help from a consultant obstetrician or other health professional but this is never imposed on a client – all decisions are made in partnership with the woman having the final say and she can rely my unconditional support. In practice I find that most births unfold beautifully with little interference.

I work mainly as a home birth midwife in which case I am primary midwife for any client who books with me. I work with a doula, Sarah Marsden, and the cost of this is included in my birth package. I also usually work with the backup of another Independent Midwife. You will have the opportunity to meet Sarah and the other midwife to make sure you are happy with those entering your birth space.

If a client transfers to hospital I will usually accompany you to act as a support and advocate, or Sarah (the doula) may be with you; backup and transfer plans will be arranged in detail during our antenatal visits to ensure that you are happy with the plans. 

I hold a space for a client to give birth in safety and as happily as possible. This usually involves the following midwifery care:

One-to-one care from a midwife with whom you have a relationship of trust

Good preparation for birth

Support in early stages of labour

Constant gentle support in later stages of labour

Expert assistance for homebirth

Many years of experience in unobtrusive presence at home birth including no routine vaginal exams

Belief in birth as a normal, non-medical event

Help for women to make informed choices themselves

Support for active birth and hypnosis techniques

Support for vaginal birth after caesarean (VBAC) and waterbirth

Support for women with raised BMI or gestational diabetes

No early umbilical cord cutting or clamping

Support for cord tying, lotus birth or sacred cord burning

Respect for the third stage of labour and undisturbed birth of the placenta

Support with placental ritual practices, placenta prints or encapsulation

High level of professional training for emergencies

Safe, reliable, sterile equipment

On call from 37 weeks to whenever baby is born

Perineal care including suturing at home if required

Fees for full Independent Midwifery care, including birth:

I don’t do a birth-only package, so my IM package includes antenatal care, birth preparation, birth and postnatal care and comes to £7000 which is usually paid as a £3000 deposit on booking, then two further payments at 28 weeks and 36 weeks. This fee includes my doula birth partner (Sarah Marsden) and a backup independent midwife. I’m sorry but I can’t give discounts for late booking as my expenses for each birth are roughly the same, plus late booking tends to mean I’m doing the same amount of work in a shorter time. I am happy to take PayPal payments, bank transfers or cash.