Hi there, I'm Mel, a 35 year old married mother of 3. I live in North West Leicestershire, in a 1930s house that might actually fall down before my husband and I get round to renovating it. I qualified as a midwife in 2009. Since then I have spent the following 14 years working within the NHS and since 2017 I have been fortunate enough to work on a dedicated homebirth service.

 

When it comes to labour and birth, I want you to feel safe, empowered and cared for. All of which are much more likely when you have received continuity of care throughout your pregnancy. I know you, you know me and we will have discussed your birth preferences in detail. 

 

Whether you're planning a homebirth, a hospital birth or a planned caesarean, I will be by your side every step of the way, doing my utmost to uphold your wishes. 

 

Should you choose to birth at home, with the complete birth package you can rest assured that you will have access to everything that you may need. A TENs machine, a birth pool with single use liner and hose, personalised aromatherapy oil blends and me, a trained midwife who whole heartedly believes in the innate wonder of physiological birth. 

 

I'll be on call for your birth 24/7 from 37 weeks onwards. With the first signs of labour, you will have peace of mind that I am available by telephone answering any questions you may have no matter the time of day. Labour is so unique to each individual, so I do not define any  parameters that your labour must meet  before I will attend. If you feel ready to have me by your side, just let me know and I'll be there. As your labour progresses a second midwife will attend to ensure optimum care and safety at the time of birth. To ensure you feel confident and comfortable with your birth team, this second midwife will be agreed during your pregnancy and you will have had an opportunity to get to know them. 

 

Following the birth, you can expect me to remain in your home for between 2-4 hours. My priority will be assisting you and your family to cherish those first precious hours, bonding with your baby and getting feeding off to a smooth start. I will offer to weigh your baby and perform an initial physical examination. Following wellness checks on both mother and baby, I'll leave you all tucked up in your own home, getting to know your new family member.

 

Whilst homebirth is my specific area of expertise, having worked within the NHS for many years, I can help you to achieve the best possible birth experience within a hospital setting. Due to insurance restrictions I will not be able to provide your hands on clinical care. Instead, I will be present as your professional advocate, working in collaboration with the NHS practitioners to provide gold standard care and to ensure your birth preferences are respected. I will remain by your side until 2-4 hours after the birth to assist with basic personal cares, skin to skin and infant feeding. At this point you should either be fit for an early discharge home or for transfer to a postnatal ward.