Hospital Birth Support: Your Questions Answered

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What does hospital birth support actually involve?
I attend the birth with you as your birth partner, alongside your actual partner. My role is to support and advocate for you throughout, making sure your voice is heard and your wishes are respected, while you're cared for by the hospital's midwifery team.

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Can I have early labour care at home?
Yes. Many women find the early stages of labour easier to manage at home, in familiar surroundings, before heading to hospital. I can be with you during this time, so you have support from the moment things start rather than waiting until you're admitted.

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Can you provide midwifery care in hospital?
No, once you're in a hospital setting, midwifery care is provided by the hospital's own midwifery team, as that's who holds responsibility for your clinical care. What I offer is continuous, personal support and advocacy throughout, someone who already knows you, your birth wishes, and your history, right there with you.

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What happens if my labour is long?
If your labour goes on for many hours, I may bring in a second qualified midwife, included in your package price at no extra cost. For first babies, I often suggest you meet her around 36 weeks, since first labours can take a little longer and I may need to rest at some point. It's lovely for you to feel familiar with her before the day arrives. 

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Do you work well with hospital staff?
Yes, I always aim to build a good working relationship with the NHS midwives and staff on shift. I ask the right questions, communicate clearly, and work alongside them collaboratively, so you get the best of continuity and hospital clinical care together.

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What happens if my birth plan changes on the day?
That's exactly where having me there helps. I can talk things through with you in the moment, help you understand your options, and make sure your decisions are respected, whatever direction your birth takes.

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Can you support me if I have an induction of labour?

Yes. If you are offered an induction of labour, I can help you understand why it has been recommended, what the different stages may involve and what choices are available to you. Every hospital has its own induction pathway, so we can also talk through what is likely to happen at your chosen maternity unit. 

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Will I get a record of my birth afterwards?
Yes, I write a personal birth story for every family I support, capturing the details and moments of your birth so you have something to treasure and look back on.

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Do you support hospital births across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire?
Yes, I attend hospital births across all three areas, wherever you're planning to give birth

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How to arrange hospital birth support with a midwife in London?

To arrange hospital birth support with a midwife in London, we'd start with antenatal appointments so I understand your birthing preferences and medical history in full. I attend your labour and birth alongside the NHS hospital team at the hospital of your choice, offering continuous one-to-one support throughout.

Which hospitals do you attend across London, Essex, and Hertfordshire?

I attend births at hospitals across all three areas I cover:

London: Northwick Park, Barnet, Whittington, Royal Free, St Mary's, St Thomas', UCLH, Guy's, Royal London, Chelsea and Westminster, Whipps Cross, Homerton, and Newham

Essex: Princess Alexandra, Broomfield, Southend, Basildon, and Queen's Romford

Hertfordshire: Lister Stevenage and Watford General.