Booking - Private Midwifery Services
Full Antenatal Care Package
This package includes all of your care, from the very beginning of your pregnancy, right up to your birth. All appointments will be in the comfort of your own home. This will include observations and screening, appropriate to your gestation. Scans and blood tests can be undertaken via the hospital you have booked to give birth at or arranged privately, if you so wish. at an additional cost. Growth will be monitored in line with best practice and evidence, outlined by the Perinatal Institute, in order to achieve the best outcomes for you and your baby. All screening will be discussed with you in full so that you are able to make informed decisions about your care.
I will tailor your care, directly to your wants and needs. Everyone is different and every pregnancy is different. One size does not fit all and things may arise during your pregnancy that means you feel you need extra support and that is fine. I want you to feel that you are at the centre of your care and that that care is individual to meet the needs of you and your family. If you are referred to consultant care at any point you may have to attend hospital appointments and if you would like me to attend with you, I am more than happy to do this. You will be able to access me via email or telephone throughout your pregnancy and if you have any concerns or questions, that you would like to discuss with me, then that is what I am here for!
Individual Antenatal Consultation
You may be having NHS care throughout your pregnancy, but feel that you would like an extra appointment for reassurance, to ask more in-depth questions or you may want more advice on birth and would like help compiling a birth plan. We can absolutely do this as a one-off appointment.
This will include observations and physical examination to include; blood pressure monitoring, urinalysis, abdominal palpation to assess baby’s position and I will measure your fundal height to assess whether your baby is growing to its estimated potential and plot this on your growth chart. I will check your baby’s heart rate with a Sonicaid doppler, that you will be able to listen in to and answer any questions that you might have. If any of my assessments raise any issues regarding your pregnancy, I will discuss this with you and refer you appropriately, so that you get the safest and best care for you and your baby.
Post Date Stretch & Sweep
If you go past your due date and you are wanting to avoid induction of labour, then we can offer a ‘stretch and sweep’ in order to reduce your chances of being induced. Stretch and sweep has been shown to reduce significantly the number of women who may have the need of medical induction of labour. It works by releasing prostaglandins, which helps to soften the cervix in preparation for labour.
Prior to undertaking a stretch and sweep, I will undertake a full antenatal assessment to include; blood pressure, urinalysis, abdominal palpation to assess the position of your baby and measure the fundal height, to make sure that baby is at the expected estimated weight, for gestation. I will check your baby’s heart rate with a Sonicaid doppler and only when I am satisfied that all is well with you and your baby, then I will discuss undertaking a stretch and sweep. (If I have any concerns about you or your baby it will not be undertaken and an appropriate referral will be made, to ensure you and your baby’s wellbeing).
If all is well, I will perform a gentle vaginal examination to assess how ready your body is of going into labour. I will then proceed with the stretch and sweep, where I will sweep around the cervix, gentle separating the membranes from your cervix. I will then listen in again to your baby’s heart rate, discuss my finding with you and document your Bishops Score (which is an indicator of how likely you are of going into labour) in your notes. I will discuss with you aftercare and give you leaflet to read at home.
Postnatal Care Package
This package is provided from the day you come home from hospital, and for up to four weeks after your birth. Initially, I will see you every one to two days, but this will very much depend on you and your baby’s needs. On your first appointment, we will have a debrief about your birth and after care. This will give you chance to discuss and concerns or fears and help me understand how best to support you, following your birth.
At each appointment, I will do a full examination of both you and your baby, assist with feeding and advise on after care. As part of your baby’s physical assessment, I will undertake observations and assess if your baby has jaundice, weigh your baby and give you advice or refer appropriately if the need occurs. On day 5, I will discuss the new born heel prick test with you and undertake the test with your consent. All appointments will be undertaken in your own home and will never be rushed. The postnatal period is often overlooked, yet it is a crucial time in a Mother and baby’s life.
Getting this right can have far reaching impacts on future physical and mental health of both Mum and baby. Having good support in those first days with feeding can help with the bonding process. Secure attachment can positively influence a baby’s mental development, which leads to a healthy self-awareness, eagerness to learn, empathy and trust. I am a huge advocate for the need for good quality support at this crucial time and if you need to ask me a question - I am only at the end of a phone!
Individual Postnatal Consultation
You may already be getting all of your care via the NHS; however, you may feel that you would like a one-off appointment for many personal reasons. Maybe your NHS midwife can only offer a postnatal appointment in a clinic and you might prefer to be seen at home. Or you may want extra support with feeding. Whatever the reason may be, that is absolutely fine and I am happy to give support - at any point throughout your journey.
Your consultation will include a full assessment of your health and emotional wellbeing. A top to toe assessment of your baby, weight and jaundice check will be undertaken. I will give support with feeding, after care and if you would like a debrief surrounding your birth, then I am more than willing to undertake this. If your baby happens to be 5 days old and due its heel prick test, then I will discuss this with you and obtain a sample, with your consent. If any of my checks raise any issues then I will discuss these with you and refer you appropriately.
