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Home arrow Women's Voices
Nina's Comment Print
The first time I became pregnant it was intentional, despite of my then tender age of 19. I was young, healthy and "low-risk", yet somehow managed to end up with a C-section and lots of other unnecessary interventions for both me and my baby. I was horrified.

The second time I became pregnant, three years later, it was absolutely unintentional. Although I could have easily imagined to care for another baby, there was no way I could face going through pregnancy and birth while being cared for by "the system". I considered doing it all unattended. But after the previous experience my trust in myself and my body had been violated. I was afraid and finally decided to have an abortion.

Many years later I trained to become a midwife. I wanted to make a difference for other women and prevent them from experiencing what had happened to me.

It has worked out so far. I have been an Independent Midwife for several years now. The women I have cared for have generally had far better outcomes than average. And they generally have been far more satisfied than average with their birth experience. I have witnessed homebirths so beautiful I was moved to tears. I have discharged so many women from postnatal care, happy mothers, breastfeeding fully, trusting in their own instincts, their babies in slings...

I want to continue with this valuable work that I am doing. In fact, I would want Independent Midwifery Care to be available for every woman in this country. And should I ever be pregnant again, I definitely would want to be cared for by two of my Independent Midwife Collegues in my own home. Should no Independent Midwife be available for me, I would then choose to birth unattended. I now have the confidence. (independent midwife, woman, mother  and UK resident)
 
Jayne's Comment Print
The heart of midwifery is shown in the care that independent midwives provide for women and their families. (midwife)
 
Kerrie's Comment Print
My independent midwife made a huge difference to my pregnancy, birth and life after (third) child. I am shocked by the proposed legislation, which will effectively take this choice away from other women in the future.

My first child was born by emergency Caesarean after a long and painful induction. I started motherhood feeling as if I had already failed and struggled through the first year with depression. I did a lot of research and reading and was well-informed by the birth of my second child, which was a straightforward vaginal birth in hospital. I did not enjoy being in hospital again and felt that I was not listened to and there was a lot of pressure to do things the 'standard' way, regardless of my preferences and what was indicated by recent medical research.

With my third child I felt very strongly that, for me, the best place to give birth was in my own home. Birth is not a routine medical procedure and, for many women, is one of the most significant experiences of their lives. Unfortunately, due to my 'high risk' status following my Caesarean, the NHS could not offer me this option. Any compromises I agreed with my consultant following review of the research and evidence were vetoed by the delivery suite midwives as they did not feel confident.

Luckily, I found an independent midwife (Sarah Montagu) who took me on. She was exactly what I wanted, experienced, competent and supportive. I knew the increased risks of my situation and my partner and I made the decision together in the full knowledge that Sarah could not get insurance. The home birth was an incredible experience and I am eternally grateful that Sarah was there for us. This choice needs to continue to be available for all women. (ex-client)
 
Maddy's Comment Print

I would just like to say that the NHS can do a very good job of midwifery, similar to the system offered by independent midwives (and probably influenced by their practice). I gave birth at home in Haringey in 1996 - I had all my antenatal care except scans at home, mostly from the same midwife, who became a trusted companion. She also attended the birth, which was so quick that I probably would not have made it to hospital (less than 1 1/2hours in total) and did the follow-up appointments. I dont know if the system in this area still works like this, but I think it is important not to turn this into an anti-NHS campaign, but rather one of choice and a range of services and improvements for all women. After all, many people would not be able to afford an independent midwife but would still like to benefit from the kind of care they offer. (mother who received NHS care)

NB Sadly the Harringey Homebirth Team was disbanded - it had worked too well! I agree there are some but admittedly very few NHS practices that work extremely well: The Albany in South London is one of them and they need to be celebrated and protected too. (Elke on behalf of IMA)
 
Michelle's Comment Print
Access to independent midwives made the difference to my birth experience with my son. It seems that childbirth is so misunderstood by the Health Services and finding the right care can be a critical part of a positive birth experience. Choice is offered in other health care and it must be offered for such an important time in a woman's life. (ex-client)
 
Karina's Comment Print

I had planned a homebirth with my independent midwife Pam Wild. My daughter Isla was born on 4th March 2007 in the royal free hospital because in the end that was where it was safest for both of us. My husband and I could not have done it without the help, support and guidence given to us by Pam.

Some of the staff at the royal free were very nice but in the end it was Pam who made the whole experience a postive one. There is no doubt in our minds that I would not have had the same care or experiences if I had been looked after by the NHS. (ex-client)
 
Rosemary's Comment Print
Independent Midwifery is crucial, not only for what it offers to women, but to ensure that real midwifery continues. (Professor of Midwifery)
 
Katherine's Comment Print
Sadly after only 18 months in to my training as a Midwife, I am already disappointed in the standard of care that women can expect in the NHS trust that I am placed with. There are many dedicated, talented and passionate midwives who have so much to offer the profession, BUT they are forced by staff shortages to provide care that they themselves are not proud of. I had decided that my future was with independent Midwifery, where I hoped to practice in a manner which would offer choice and control to women. How sad I am that I may not have this opportunity and how tragic that women may no longer have this valuable choice.(student midwife)
 
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