Midwifery Philosophy

I love working with women, babies, partners and families, seeing birth very
much as a family event. Independent midwifery gives me the opportunity to
spend enough time with women to address all their questions, and to make the
decisions which can be so important at this time. My role is to facilitate
the woman and her partner in decision-making, and to respect her (their)
choices. I can advise of course, but ultimately choices have to be the
woman's because only she really knows herself and her own body.


Jim, Amy & Theo

I hope to build a relationship of trust with women, usually throughout the
pregnancy, although this relationship can develop more quickly if necessary.
A relationship of trust means that during the birth and the early days of
parenting, we have an excellent level of communication. It helps the woman
to relax, knowing that she has a kind and caring birth attendant.
I have a passionate belief that women's bodies work. We need to respect the
natural processes of birth, paying special attention to the complex
interaction of hormones which promote a 'natural' birth. I hope to ensure
that the woman has privacy, comfort, love, and whatever she needs in order
to feel relaxed.

Sofie at her street party

I believe that medical/obstetric intervention can be very useful in labour,
indeed it is sometimes necessary in order to save lives. But I also believe
that such intervention should not be over-used - it should be used when
necessary, not as a first resort. I like the philosophy of Ina May Gaskin
who is a very well known American midwife. Ina May and her partners at The
Farm have a deep faith in the ability of women's bodies to give birth given
the right circumstances, time and good midwifery care. (See 'Spiritual
Midwifery' and 'Ina May's Guide to Childbirth'.)

Me & Charlie

One of my favourite parts of midwifery practice is being with families in
the early days of parenting. This is a crucial time for the woman and her
baby. I promote the early close contact (skin-to-skin) which helps with
establishing breastfeeding. I have recently been influenced by the work of
Dr Suzanne Colson who has developed the notion of 'biological nurturing' -
really, what mothers have been doing for millions of years! It is probably
fair to say that I am not a great fan of very early routines and timetables.
The first few weeks in a baby's life are so precious, and the time goes so
fast. Breastfeeding (in my experience) usually establishes much better if
people 'go with the flow' a little, and just concentrate on the creation of
the relationship with the baby - there is plenty of time to get into
routines; people usually find it happens quite naturally.

Matti, Andy & Lian

During this often rather tumultuous time, I am there either in person or on
the end of a phone, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Parents tell me that
this is invaluable to them; to know that there is a friendly person to call
if they have any worries or concerns in those early days. It means peace of
mind. I don't wish to foster dependence, but I think it is good for people
to know that help is available if it is needed. This seems to help parents
to gain confidence in their own abilities, and by the time they are
discharged from midwifery care, they are happy and 'flying' in parenthood.
Of course, I hope to keep in touch and love to receive updates after we have
officially parted company!