Independent Private Midwife

Labour and Birth care with me is offered as part of a full package of care, including both the antenatal and postnatal packages.

My experience as a midwife has taught me that for birth to unfold well, we (midwives) must build a good strong relationship built on trust with the mother and her birth partner. I work to build this trust over regular appointments in your home at a time convenient for you both and these usually last 45mins, but can take longer if needed.

I am based in Windsor, Berkshire and will comfortably travel up to an hour to look after families. However I will consider travelling further if I am the right midwife for you, however gently ask that a contribution towards fuel and time is added at 50ppm.

The first appointment takes around two hours to take a full history, and subsequent appointments include your clinical checks as well as emotional support, preparation for the birth and resources such as DVDs and books. The birth plan preparation at 36 weeks takes some time, so to ensure that you are well informed. Should your baby decide to wait a little longer to arrive then the extra antenatal visits at 41 and 42 weeks are included too, as are information books such as 'induction of labour ', 'GBS' etc which we would take time to make sure that you have all the information to make an informed decision.

If your baby decides to arrive prematurely (before 37 weeks) I shall endeavour to be there to support you at the birth, and care continues for the full antenatal and postnatal period past your due date. I am experienced both personally (my own son arrived at 32 weeks) and have a wealth of professional experience regarding caring for and feeding babies who are born prematurely.

I am available to you throughout your pregnancy for any questions or concerns, via telephone or email outside of our scheduled appointments and I am able to attend consultant appointments and extra scans with you if this is needed in your care plan.

I also lend a birth pool (saving you around £150 for hire) and a Tens machine (another £50 saving) so that you have them if you would like to use them, and I deliver these to you at 36 weeks. Should you plan a homebirth, I can assist you and your partner with the preparations.

From 37 weeks- I would be 'on call' for you, and therefore stay close to home so that I can attend to you when you feel you need me. When the day of your baby's birth comes, I am able to attend to you in labour and support you during the birth, whether at home or in hospital.

Personally, I feel that to care for a woman throughout her pregnancy journey, and to have the honour to care for her birthing her baby and that emotionally charged experience- to not see the woman following the birth is devastating, and I feel a tremendous responsibility for the postnatal care of a woman I have looked after in labour. The overall wellbeing of the mother, her uterus and bleeding need to be monitored, and perineum care is vitally important, and the responsibility for the baby’s health, weight and newborn checks and screening (if desired) is an important part of my role as a midwife.

This is why I will not work in a ‘birth only’ capacity, and birth support is offered as part of full maternity care.

Once baby has arrived the Newborn Examination can be done at home (NIPE) and newborn weight and screening is also included.

As a Lactation Consultant, any extra 'breastfeeding' visits would be included in this package for you, plus an additional 'breastfeeding antenatal session' so that you and your partner are fully prepared for life with a newborn! Should baby be born with a tongue tie that impacts on the feeding, I am a Tongue Tie Specialist, and fully trained and insured to divide them -saving you a several weeks wait on the NHS for the procedure and the private cost of this is included within my maternity care package.

The Full Package includes all antenatal care, on call from 37 weeks until your baby is born, and Postnatal visits on days 1,2,3,5,7,10,14,21,28 and any extra for feeding support as needed.

Therefore, it really is a bespoke service and I aim to tailor this to your individual needs and wants. Do let me know if you have any questions, or if there is a particular care plan you had in mind as I am able to be flexible also.

Sarah was an amazing midwife who helped me have the best childbirth experience. She puts her full heart into midwifery, caring for both you and your baby ... actually Sarah cared about my whole family including my toddler. She tried hard from the first day to build a relationship with him and include him in the full journey.

She was respectful of all my preferences and did her best to fulfill them. She was always willing to go the extra mile. One night at around 10pm we were worried about our newborn’s temperature and she was willing to bring over her thermometer at that time!

Thank you so much Sarah for the most wonderful birthing experience and helping me breathe out my baby and scoop him out of the water and hold him! (Waterbirth baby) It’s such a blessing, and I’m grateful for all your help to help make it possible.

Leeza, 2021

I am fully insured for Labour and Birth Care through membership of the Prism Scheme provided by Private Midwives.com

Includes:

Full Midwifery Care throughout your pregnancy (booking ideally from 8-12 weeks) regular monthly antenatal appointments until 31 weeks, then fortnightly until 38 weeks then weekly until your baby's birth.

24hr access to me on the telephone throughout pregnancy and six weeks postnatally.

Birth preparation and breastfeeding antenatal sessions, books and resources

Support at Obstetrician appointments if needed.

On call from 37 weeks of pregnancy, until your baby arrives.

Care in Labour for your hospital or homebirth (second midwife for home birth included in fee)

Postnatal care on days 1,2,3,5,7,10,14,21 and 28 for both mother and baby and any additional appointments up to six weeks

Newborn Screening (heel prick test) and Weight Checks for baby.

Newborn Examination Check included (NIPE) for home born babies

As a Lactation Consultant (IBCLC with 15years experience) skilled breastfeeding facilitation

Tongue tie release (Frenulotomy) if needed

Also includes Birth Pool (and liner/pumps/hose and attachments) and TENS machine loan.

Cost: £7500

For Families looking for midiwfery care later in pregnancy, please be aware that the cost is the same. This is sadly due to insurance, and all the fact that when Independent Midwives take on care at such a late stage, there's often complex history and a lot of work building the trust needed between the IM and the family and less time to do that in. Ideally, please book no later than 36 weeks of pregnancy, so that there's plenty of time for birth preparation and time for me to get to know you and your preferences.