NHS care is moving in the right direction: the government said that by the end of 2009 the NHS would provide mothers-to-be with a full range of birthing choices – including home births – and a midwife they trust to care for them. Hospitals are striving to give one-to-one care but in reality it depends on the activity on the day in a busy hospital, says Caroline Fox Head of Midwifery at private hospital St John & St Elizabeth, who has also worked in the NHS. The good news is that you no longer have to be in the catchment area of a hospital and you can self refer to have your baby at a hospital of your choice provided they have room.
Get a feel for a hospital by visiting it or viewing an online virtual tour if they have one. Kingston Hospital has a great virtual tour. Water births are becoming increasingly popular. So if you’ve set your heart on a
water birth ask how often the birth pool is operational and if the midwives are trained to deliver in water.
If you can afford it or can get your health insurance to foot the bill you may consider going privately. Most hospitals have packages that are consultant led – meaning that the doctor will deliver your baby – or midwife led, which means that a midwife will deliver. Look carefully at what’s included in the package as you may find that there are lots of extras.
Some women who would like to guarantee themselves continuity of care from a midwife decide to employ their own. Average fees in London vary between £3,000 and £4,000. Visit independentmidwives.org.uk. For alternative support in labour a doula might be the answer. A doula is an experienced woman who gives emotional and practical support to a woman (or couple) before, during and after childbirth. They aren’t medically trained. A birth doula in London will charge £500-800 and a postnatal doula £15-20/hour. There is also a hardship fund.
To find a doula or for more information see doula.org.uk. If you are considering a home birth try meeting up with your local NCT (National Childbirth Trust) nct.org.uk home birth support group.