MIDWIFERY

What is an Independent Midwife?
An Independent Midwife is a fully qualified midwife practitioner who, in order to practice the midwife's role to its fullest extent, chooses to work outside the NHS in a self employed capacity, although still supporting its aims and ideals.

Although autonomous, we are strictly regulated and regularly assessed by our governing body The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and adhere to a rigorous Code of Conduct.
Independent Midwives are also constantly improving and updating their skills with regular compulsory clinical training and the latest research findings, just as our NHS colleagues have to: Without this, we are unable to continue to practice.

What does an Independent Midwife Have to Offer?
The ever advancing discoveries of medical science and technology are making pregnancy and childbirth safer than it has ever been. Sometimes . . . technology has a habit of taking over. Human element is forgotten, and having a baby can feel automated, as well as isolating.

Our Aim is to provide evidence based professional continuity of care during your pregnancy, labour and afterwards, combined with sensitivity, informed choice and holistic support. Whether your pregnancy is 'low risk', or if you are, or have been experiencing difficulties, either physically or spiritually, we can work with you and your family to help provide the best birth experience possible.

Happy Mums and happy babies make happy families, and we do our best to make your journey through pregnancy a positive experience. We can do this by offering a variety of services to meet your individual needs.

Complete Pregnancy Care Initial consultation, Approximately 10 antenatal visits, birth attendence, postnatal care and support for up to 28 days. This is also available for women who have complex pregnancies.

Postnatal Care Initial meeting and postnatal care for you and your baby for 10 days, which begins from your first day at home if you have had your baby in hospital. It is also suitable for women who have had a ceasarian section.


Reflective Counselling A meeting either alone or with support if your previous pregnancy and birth was traumatic, or if there are unanswered questions about your birth experience.

Some find that 1 session is enough to find the answers to questions that have previously prevented them from moving forward.

Birth Planning An informed and truthful discussion of what choices are available for childbirth, both at home and in hospital, and what to expect during labour and birth. A flexible plan of options is then mapped out for both the woman and her birth partner to refer to.

This session is particularly suited to women who have worries or concerns about their impending birth experience.

Antenatal Workshops These workshops are aimed to inform and answer questions, prepare for labour and birth, early parenting.

These can be ‘one to one’ or in small groups and are often shared with another Midwife. We also work closely with other practitioners within the clinic to advise and offer complementary therapies that are drug free and safe in pregnancy.

Midwifery provided at the Zen Clinic by Rutland Midwifes