Informed choices are always best! Working out what feels right & safe for you, alongside relevant options!
Firstly, you do not have to choose a local unit – you can choose to book in another area, but I always advise clients, to consider & bear in mind the logistics of getting to your maternity unit of choice, if it were a Monday morning at rush hour! Local does keep it simple!
All places of birth have a “risk” assessment & criteria.
For low risk, straight forward, no complications history – then home birth & maternity midwife led units are safe & relevant choices.
Us midwives are trained in caring for women in normal pregnancy, birth & postnatal & we are experts in that! Even better is if we as midwives know the woman we are caring for, as continuity has been shown to make a significant difference for women/clients as they approaching birth. They have talked through their birth choices ahead of going into labour & the midwife can offer bespoke care planned according to clients wishes. A birth plan is helpful if you do not know the midwife ahead of your birth.
Pregnancy & birthing for most women is a normal healthy event and us midwives can support & guide clients through that.
For some women, maybe they have pre existing medical conditions, or they develop pregnancy related complications, or even complications in birthing process – then Obstetric Led Hospital births are more appropriate.
There is so much more to say! I offer clients the opportunity to discuss this subject in full – in person or over a video call if further afield to my geographical area.
Do get in touch if I can help!
Independent/private midwife Helen Taylor 