YOUR BODY, YOUR BABY,
YOUR BIRTH
Gretel and Tim's Story
Thomas is Gretal & Tim's 1st baby; he was born in hospital.
It was probably the best decision we could have made to take on the services of Judy and Debs.
Thomas is such a happy, contented, dare I say easy baby, and we are convinced that this is reflective of the support we had during his birth and the first couple of months of his life. What you benefit from with Judy and Debs is a consistent, reliable approach. They are extremely knowledgeable and spent a great deal of time and effort getting to know you, your family and the way you like to lead your life during your pregnancy and then provide very individualised care.
Like any first time mother to be, I was going through the anxieties of pregnancy and the apprehension of being a mum for the first time... I was unaware that independent midwifery services were available until a friend at my NCT classes recommended Judy and Debs.
From week 30 of my pregnancy, Judy took over my antenatal checks, in the comfort of my own home & she would often come in the evening so Tim could be there to listen in to the heart beat and be part of what was happening.
I had chosen to have a hospital birth with Judy acting as my doula, and when things started (rather unexpectedly) at 35 weeks, Judy was on the phone at 5am, arrived on the doorstep shortly after and looked after me right until Thomas arrived 4 days later !!! During this time, Judy provided so much comfort, reassurance and Thomas was delivered safely with the birth we had planned.
Nobody gives you a manual for when you take charge of this little bundle - and it is tough ! But having a one to one coach for those first 6 weeks, providing practical help & showing you the tricks of the trade (and there are many !!) allows you to find your feet and your own way of managing things. As a result, your confidence grows quickly. Some days, Judy would come twice, three times & would have probably moved in if asked !! As time went on we became more confident to manage things without her...
Both Judy and Debs are great characters and a complete pleasure to have in your home. They are true professionals - but at the same time they can rediscover your sense of humour when things get tough! We really enjoyed their visits & friendship and have stayed in touch ever since.
Dear Jude & Debbie,
Just a quick note to let you know how I'm getting on & to say "thanks" for looking after me when I first arrived. Mummy & Daddy are getting the hang of looking after me but still I like to keep them on their toes! This is a rather dashing photo of me that Daddy took . . . . . I call it my intelligent/sophisticated look.
Lots of love
Thomas X (& Tim & Gretal)
Our private, alternative service brings you an independent midwife for continuity of care and home birth. Centred on our base in Ilkley (in West Yorkshire in the north of England), we operate as self-employed midwives. Our freelance practice covers Leeds, Bradford, Halifax, Keighley, Oakworth, Howarth, Skipton, Settle, Harrogate, Knaresborough, Ilkley, Otley, Huddersfield, Wakefield, Halifax, Barnsley, Sheffield, Doncaster, Goole, Selby, York, Wetherby, Knaresborough, Thirsk, Northallerton, Settle, Kendal, Lancaster, Preston, Blackburn, Burnley, Bolton, Bury, Wigan, Rochdale, Oldam, Lancashire and South Cumbria.