We normally first meet at a free-of-charge consultation. At this meeting, which can last for up to two hours if needed, you can ask all the questions that you can think of. This meeting takes place at my office. At this meeting we can discuss your personal needs for this pregnancy and birth and we can work out if I am the right midwife for you. It is a great opportunity to get the feel of each others personalities. This is usually the deciding factor in midwifery care. We have to like each other, respect each other and be able to trust each other for the partnership to work.

If you choose me as your midwife, the next step will be to record your medical history and rule out any factors which may prevent you from having your primary care by a midwife. If this should occur, then we may be able to come to an arrangement about sharing care with a medical doctor. If you need any other services that I cannot provide then I can refer you to an appropriate consultant. Midwives are trained to give excellent nutritional advice and suggestions of herbal dietary supplements. I will date your pregnancy and, if the baby is mature enough, we can listen to the heart beat.

I will then monitor your blood pressure and urine to ensure that your body is coping well with the physiological stresses of pregnancy. You can have all the time you need to ask questions and we can discuss any problems or situations that you feel might affect your pregnancy and / or birth. The first appointment can last up to two hours. I allow a full hour for all subsequent appointments.

We will then set up our financial agreement. You can pay the initial deposit then the balance by the 37th week of your pregnancy or pay the prepaid cash discounted fee. This can consists of the same initial deposit and a series of payments that are flexible and should be able to meet each family's' budget.

The pre-natal visits follow a pattern of every 4 weeks until 28-30 weeks. Then two weekly until 36 weeks, then every week until the birth. If you need additional visits, this will not increase my fees.