Hi I’m Linda,
Experienced Independent Midwife.
Let me support you every step of the way with my gold star service.
Offering continuity of care in an overstretched NHS system.
For couples living in West Midlands, Staffordshire, Derbyshire, Worcestershire & Warwickshire
Bookings now open for baby’s due in 2025
Are you looking to birth with total calm and confidence?
Would you like the reassurance of having someone on your side to guide you to a positive birth experience?
Do you want to ensure you have a known and trusted midwife throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the early postnatal period?
Imagine how it would feel if your partner also had support and didn’t feel overwhelmed by the process.
Hi, I’m Linda a heart centred independent Midwife and advocate of gentle physiological birth.
I qualified as a midwife nearly four decades ago and have vast experience in supporting couples throughout their journey into parenthood.
From bumps 2 babies was launched in 2008 to support couples with birth education and planning and we have supported literally hundreds of couples since then to achieve a birth that they will always remember rather than one they wished they could forget .
More and more couples are seeking continuity of care during this special and intimate time in their lives. The NHS are doing a tough job and it can feel very overstretched with high rates of intervention.
Let me guide you through this transformational period in your lives and help you to develop calm, confidence and excitement about baby’s birth, and let me advocate for you during difficult conversations.
Linda is the most wonderful midwife I could have wished for. Independent midwifery was absolutely the best decision we made for the birth of our baby boy. I always knew I wanted a peaceful home birth and with Linda, I got everything I wanted and so much more!
Linda is experienced, knowledgeable, supportive and compassionate; and brought such a calming presence to my pregnancy and birth. She gave me the confidence to have my first birth at home and provided me with extensive reading material and research which helped me to follow my instincts and reassured that I was doing what was right for me & my baby, even when I came under pressure for unnecessary intervention from the hospital.
Linda felt like a friend, a mother and a healthcare practitioner all rolled into one. She truly cares for her clients and is so invested in giving them the best birth experience possible, in whatever scenario that may be. Linda is dedicated to broadening her knowledge and expanding her skills which speaks volumes about her passion for midwifery, advances/research in obstetrics and the care she has for her ladies.
If I’m blessed with more children, I would not hesitate to use Linda’s services again, and hope I am able to. I can not express just how wonderful an experience it was to build a relationship with the midwife who would deliver my baby, to get to know each other and for her to know me and my preferences so that I didn’t need to make any decisions during birthing.
Sophie & Danny
Independent Midwife Care Package
The Introduction
Inital Consultation Call
We will have an initial consultation call. so that you can find out if my personalised Midwifery care package is right for you and it’s the perfect opportunity to establish if I am the right independent midwife for you too.
Book your call with me any time from 7 weeks.
Once the package is agreed you will receive a contract and schedule to sign before care commences.
I would normally advise having a viability scan before we meet so that the pregnancy is confirmed.
Initial dating scans and booking bloods are taken by your NHS community midwife and local hospital, following which I will contact them and transfer your care over to me.
The Booking Appointment
‘””A 1-2 hour visit where we discuss your medical and social history, discuss any previous pregnancies and any past birth experiences.
During this appointment we will make a plan for your care, and agree a timeline of dates for our appointments.
I will provide your W8 maternity exemption certificate for prescription and dental care.
If you are still very early in your pregnancy we will cover screening tests and minor pregnancy ailments.
You will receive a Pregnancy Welcome pack including the E-Book “Being at your best in pregnancy” and some carefully selected reading materials.
The Illumina Non invasive prenatal test (NIPT) can be offered at this stage. This is a blood test which can be taken from 10 weeks of pregnancy. This screening blood test helps in identifying if your baby is likely to have a chromosomal anomaly. It also gives you the opportunity to find out baby’s sex but this is completely optional.
2-3 hours
Antenatal care
Monthly Appointments - from 12 weeks to 28 weeks
Each meeting at 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 weeks will include a full check to see how you are progressing both physically and emotionally. Each appointment is around 1.5 hours. We can listen to baby’s heartbeat, and talk through any referrals or screening results.
At the 24 week appointment you can enjoy a relaxing, full body Pamper and Prepare Pregnancy Massage. We will take a recording of the baby’s heartbeat if you wish so that you have something to treasure from this special time.
I will supply a pregnancy exercise ball and demonstrate some body work to prepare you for labour and birth.
I will provide you with your very own Rebozo scarf and demonstrate techniques for use including how to to create more space for baby in your pelvis and releasing tense fascia.
7.5 hours
Fortnightly Appointments - from 30 weeks to 36 weeks
Each appointment at 30, 32, 34 and 36 weeks will include a full antenatal check as we measure baby’s growth.
We will talk through your Birth Preferences and cover what you need to purchase and to prepare for baby. Your partner is fully involved in these appointments, so they can provide the support you need during labour and birth.
I will take you through an infant first aid session, and a session on newborn care and wellbeing , plus I will arrange for a dedicated session on preparation for feeding your baby with my fabulous lactation consultant colleague.
At the 34 week appointment you can enjoy another relaxing full body Pamper and Prepare Pregnancy Massage session
6 hours
Weekly Appointments - from 36 weeks to 42 weeks
Each week you will have a 2 hour appointment as we closely monitor your physical and emotional wellbeing.
You get a chance to discuss any important issues with me and we finalise your birth preferences including all modes of birth and where necessary, how you would like these to be managed.
If you wish I will fit you with a TENS machine, which can be worn in late pregnancy to relieve back ache and will provide great comfort in labour too.
I will provide regular relaxing massage with hypnobirthing audios at your request.
An aromatherapy oil blend and a facial spritz for labour will be provided as we make our final preparations.
Should you progress past your “due date” I can arrange for reflexology and acupuncture specialists to support you in maintaining balance and calm whilst waiting for baby to arrive.
I will arrange for presentation and wellbeing scans in this later stage of pregnancy if required and to offer further reassurance.
14 hours
The Birth
Your Due Period - 37 to 42 weeks
Whether you are birthing in a hospital or at home, I will remain by your side once labour is established, until 2-3 hours after baby is born.
If you’re birthing at home, I can provide complete midwifery care, including the provision of Entonox (Gas & Air)
I will supply a birth pool and all necessary fittings and equipment.
As a fully trained midwife I am experienced in emergency situations and we will have a dedicated session together with your partner before the birth to discuss fully the actions to be taken if labour deviates from what we expected.
At a home birth I will be accompanied by a second Midwife or qualified birth Doula.
If you’re birthing in hospital, you have me as your advocate, to offer support and guidance once your labour is established.
I am unable to stay with you for induction of labour as hospitals only permit one person in for support until you are moved to labour ward or when labour becomes established. However I can visit you during the induction process if necessary to offer further comfort measures and will of course remain with you once labour progresses and both during and after baby is born.
Postnatal Wellbeing
Week 1
You will have alternate daily visits on days 1, 3, 5 and 7, to check on your physical and emotional wellbeing. We will check over baby and I will arrange the initial health visitor meeting if you wish. You will receive support and tips about feeding, postnatal recovery and newborn care.
Specialist support will be offered during this period including a home visit from an experienced lactation consultant if required to help support you with initiating breast feeding and to perform a full assessment of baby’s mouth to identify any tongue tie.
I will demonstrate how to bath baby once the remaining cord falls off and arrange to take the newborn blood spot screening on day 5 if you consent to this.
6 hours
Week 2
Visits will be arranged on Days 10 and Day 14. During each appointment I will weigh baby and provide guidance and a feeding plan if necessary. At 14 days my care package is completed.
4-6 hours
6-12 weeks Mummy MOT
Before we sign off I will organise a MUMMY MOT for you with a local practitioner.
A Mummy MOT is a specialist postnatal examination for women following both vaginal and caesarean deliveries. It will assess how your posture, pelvic floor muscles and stomach muscles are recovering after birth. And if they’re not, then you can be provided with exercises and a treatment plan to help in your recovery and to support you in returning to exercise safely. Already part of every new mother’s standard post-natal rehabilitation in France, trained specialists assess the strength and function of the tummy and pelvic floor muscles to help prevent long-term childbirth related complaints.
SPECIAL BONUS
As a private client of mine, you receive a FREE pass to my gold standard
Hypnobirthing and Newborn preparation course
- Four modules of lessons – with over 80 videos.
- Supporting reading materials and list of resources
- Exclusive community group.
After a traumatic first birth experience, I knew that this time I wanted a midwife to support me through the pregnancy and birth. It’s a really tough decision to choose someone who will be there for such an intimate experience, however we knew that Linda would be just perfect.
The pregnancy massages were amazing, her constant support and calming influence was perfect, the online course was perfectly packaged to support and educate and her support during the birth was above and beyond.
I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect birth and I truly believe that it was down to Linda. I felt prepared to birth my baby, supported through the process and empowered. The fear from my first birth experience was overshadowed by the confidence that Linda had instilled in me and the support of her by my side advocating for my perfect birth. I would have no hesitation in recommending Linda and truly believe that she has the skills and experience to help you achieve your perfect birth. She is an inspiration- an angel in disguise “
Kristal & Chris
Frequently Asked Questions
What packages do you offer and how much is the investment ?
I would say it’s actually impossible to place a value on the immense level of support & advocacy that I can provide for you (as demonstrated in my testimonials.) However my fee structure represents the workload and significant responsibility I take on when we agree to work together and is both fair and equitable.
I have limited spaces each year and my diary fills up quickly.
All options include the full antenatal and postnatal package of care.
Option A – Full birth support package in hospital or at home (as outlined above)
By booking this option you are securing space in my diary to be on call for your birth 24 hours a day, 7 days a week from 37+0 weeks of pregnancy until your baby is born.
This full service option secures appropriate indemnity insurance for your birth and for homebirth specifically the availability of a second midwife on call for the entire on-call period (both of which are legal requirements at present for Independent Midwives).
It includes hire of a birth pool, birth pool liner and Entonox use if you wish to use it.
If at any point we transfer into hospital for any reason, I would remain by your side as professional birth partner and advocate.
This package also covers the situation where you have an in labour caesarean birth as an emergency or decide to have a caesarean at term because of post-dates.
Total £8000-£9300
Option B – Planned Caesarean birth
All antenatal and postnatal care as outlined above
This option still secures your on-call period in my diary, 24 hours a day 7 days a week from
37+0 weeks of pregnancy until your baby is born.
Because this option secures your on-call period in my diary, if your planned caesarean date
changes to another point for whatever reason, I will still be able to attend hospital and support you.
This plan includes my attendance at your birth as your primary birth partner if this is your preference. It also includes my attendance at the hospital as second birth partner if the hospital allows it (this is not typical, but possible in some cases). I can be present at the hospital to provide immediate postnatal support to you on the ward within visiting restrictions and I will be there to
emotionally and practically support your partner.
I will liaise with the hospital about your birth preferences and help you to document these. to ensure your wishes are met.
Total £7800
Option C – Complete antenatal & postnatal care package
You will access all your birth related care from NHS services with no dedicated on-call period from myself.
However, booking this package as a primary service does not secure any on-call time in my
diary so, although I will do my best, I cannot guarantee that I will be able to upgrade to a home or hospital birth package, as my diary may have been filled with other on-calls. I would love to guarantee my availability but sadly it is not financially viable for me to do so.
This is something to take into consideration when choosing your package.
Total £4500
Following receipt of a 1.5k deposit, all packages can be paid in monthly instalments during pregnancy with the final payment being made at 37 weeks.
Do book a discovery call with me to discuss your individual needs please. (consultation button is below)
Which areas do you cover?
I usually travel up to 40 miles from my home in Sutton Coldfield, West Midlands.
Journeys beyond this will have the mileage reflected in the cost quoted.
I cover counties including West Midlands, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Derbyshire and Warwickshire.
I can travel up to a maximum one hour journey to provide your care if I have the capacity in my diary.
” Linda is incredible and absolutely transformed our pregnancy and birthing experience. After our first birth being rather traumatic, we were both rather anxious, not only did Linda advocate for us but she took away anxieties and eased our entire experience. Linda was far more than just a midwife for us, and now we are proud to think of Linda as a friend as well, she goes above and beyond to ensure you are feeling comfortable and confident throughout and we enjoyed our birthing experience, the way she explains things so clearly made everything very easy to understand for us. Linda ensured that we had every birth preference that we wished for and that it was carried out on the day. The care did not end there, she brought us confidence with our newborn in every aspect. We cannot thank her enough, and we would not do another pregnancy without her! “
Kai & Josie
Why hire an independent midwife?
As your private independent midwife I will provide continuous support acting as your clinical advocate and helping you to make the right decisions to achieve the best birth possible. There is overwhelming evidence that with continuous support in labour both mothers and babies are statistically more likely to have better outcomes (Dekker 2017)
What should I expect?
One of my key strengths is to match your mood in labour , communicating with you in a variety of non verbal ways as your mental state changes throughout labour, and focusing entirely on your emotional and physical needs without any other distractions about what is going on in the environment around us. I will be your constant companion and advocate for you so that you can focus entirely on your breathing and relaxation without being disturbed, which is so important to keep the labour hormones flowing.
The researched benefits of hiring an independent Midwife?
• Reduced chance of Caesarean birth
• Reduced risk of instrumental birth
• Reduced need for pain relief in labour
• Reduced rate of induction of labour
• Shorter labour
• Increased satisfaction with your birth experience
• Increased likelihood of breastfeeding if desired.
It’s hard to put into words how blessed we both feel having come to know Linda as a midwife support and now a friend.
Childbirth is a very intimate experience and we couldn’t have picked a kinder, more professional person, to share this experience with. Since my partner and I are both frequent travellers for work, we spent quite a lot of my pregnancy abroad.
The package we created with Linda, enabled us to access lots of really useful online resources, whilst we were away, and helped diffuse some of the anxiety of moving from private healthcare abroad back to NHS care. Linda was on hand at all times to answer questions and give advice. She even attended a couple of consultant appointments at the hospital (when baby was measuring big!), giving us the confidence to take on board doctor advice and make our own decisions regarding the birth of our son.
When the day of his birth arrived, my partner and I were both relaxed and excited, comfortable in the knowledge that we had the most amazing support on hand to guide us through this magical process. Like with many labours, ours didn’t exactly go to plan, but we couldn’t have asked for a more positive experience. “
Kayanna & Jamie
One-off Private Midwifery Services
- Full Private antenatal check
- Group B strep testing
- Fitness to fly certificates
- birth reflection/debrief service
- Private birth planning session
- Pre/postnatal Massage therapy (including following Caesarean birth)