Today is a sad day for me as I was discharged by my midwife, Annie, following the birth of my baby girl, Charlotte 7 weeks ago.

This is the 2nd time I have used the services of Annie Francis and Tina Perridge and if i have any more children it certainly wont be the last. To say that Annie and Tina have made the transition into motherhood easier is an understatement. They have become a part of our family and I am in awe of their knowledge, patience and love for their profession and their clients.

My first labour was somewhat unusual in the fact that I was extremely naive and didn't realise i was in labour so when we phoned annie in the middle of the night and she arrived 10 minutes later, i was fully dialated. An ambulance was called and my gorgeous Son was born in Kingston hospital. We were kept in for a week due to my son being nearly 4 weeks early and having jaundice. I was an emotional wreck. Annie and Tina would visit me in hospital and always made themselves available to talk to me, reason with me and sympathise with me. 

My second child i had planned to have at home but as we all know, things dont always go according to plan. I was expecting my daughter to 'fall out' following the easy ride i had with my first but that wasnt the case. I actually had what was considered a normal labour but it still totally threw me off course so i decided to go to the midwife-led unit, the Malden suite, in Kingston. Annie and my husband were right by my side the whole time. Knowing i had annie as another pair of eyes in case the unexpected happened was so comforting. 

Because my first labour was so quick and pain free, I almost didn't ask Annie and Tina to help out. We had just moved from a flat to a house so we were counting every penny. It wasn't until I was in my 2nd trimester and suffered from food poisoning and whilst visiting my local doctor they had trouble finding the baby's heartbeat. That was when I realised that the safe delivery of my baby was far more important than the kitchen upgrade I was planning. My husband and I agreed that yes it was costly but no more than the wedding dress I purchased for our wedding day when our children are a lifetime event. Seeing it this way helped put the whole thing into perspective. As soon as I had my first appointment with Annie at home I felt a huge weight off my shoulders, no longer did i have to trawl the internet for advice or worry about every little niggle i felt - i could just contact annie 24/7 and she always had the answers.

So, for anyone weighing up whether to use Neighbourhood Midwives I cannot recommend them enough. Whether this is your first, second or third pregnancy, whether you plan to have your baby at home or in hospital your experience for you and your baby will be far more pleasant with their help.

Amanda, Wimbledon, June 2014

Early on in my pregnancy I heard about a new organisation called 'Neighbourhood Midwives'. Essentially they are a team of women who have all spent many years working as midwives in hospitals but now work as independent midwives, supporting women in their area. They provide a free consultation which allowed me to meet them, ask questions and get a better sense of the service they provide. Whilst the cost is not insignificant (just over £4000 for the full care package) I had a strong sense that it would be money well spent. I was right. From the first appointment (in the comfort of your own home at a time that suits you) I felt so comfortable with both my midwives (one primary and one support) and knew I could ask them anything either face to face or over the phone at any time. As my pregnancy progressed we got to know each other really well and it gave me huge comfort knowing that one of them would be with me during labour and the birth. We discussed the birth plan in detail and I just felt entirely comfortable that when it came to it, I would be in very safe hands. The neighbourhood midwives work in conjunction with the midwives in hospital so there was never any sense that there was conflict. Rather, the hospital midwives were enthusiastic and supportive of independent midwives and, when I was in hospital giving birth, there was a lovely sense that we were all on the same team and that Eva (my neighbourhood midwife) was a very valuable resource. During labour, Eva was able to focus entirely on me whilst others were focused "down there" and I know my husband also found her a huge support. She was totally calm and in control at all times and she literally didnt leave my side until my little boy was safely delivered. The postpartum care was a godsend too. For the first week or so one of them visited us every day which was hugely reassuring. They answered any questions and checked Billy (our baby) and me, as well as carrying out things like the heel prick blood tests and weekly weigh-in's. Billy is now four and a half weeks old and we will (very sadly) say goodbye to the wonderful Tina and Eva at six weeks but they are already talking about "Neighbourhood Mums" groups and we will keep in touch via text and photos. I am hugely grateful to them for all their support which made ALL the difference to my pregnancy, the birth and my recovery. I would wholeheartedly recommend "Neighbourhood Midwives" and can't praise them enough..

Emily, Westbourne Park, April 2014

It is a curious thing having babies. Everyone knows best, but like it or loath it, I am now going to tell you what I think you should do.

I have had three babies with Neighbourhood Midwives and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. This is a truly personal service, a hard thing to be able to achieve when it comes to healthcare; public or private.

Let's face it, having babies is intensely personal which is why it is of vital importance to have a group of people on your side who you can trust and who have not only seen it all before, but make you feel that nothing you ask is too silly, naive or excessive.

From every small twinge at the beginning of your pregnancy to every full blown contraction at the end and beyond, they are on call 24/7 to lend support and nurture you through. This team of professionals are not only highly trained individuals but also actual mothers, and approach their day to day job as such.

It is a joy to be able to look forward to your Neighbourhood Midwife visits and to know that they will increase in frequency as your pregnancy develops. There is no real need for numerous hospital visits or frustrating clinic waiting rooms as the midwives will come to your home and do all of your care from there. They will even deliver your baby there, if that is what you would like. There is no pressure from any of the midwives to choose any type of birth that doesn't make you happy, comfortable and confident at all times. The real point here is, that you have that power to choose.

There is no question that having the continuity of healthcare that they provide is also the key. To have the Neighbourhood Midwives that you know and trust by your side for that whole unique journey of pregnancy, throughout your labour and for quite some time afterwards to help with every aspect of your own recovery and the vital care of your newborn, is exceptional.

It was a blessing for me with each pregnancy (as they were all so different) as well as for my friends. So, I do hope that you will forgive me for telling you what I think you should do, and thereby giving you the chance to experience the Neighbourhood Midwives for yourself, and allowing them to do what they undoubtedly do best.

Catriona, Clapham, January 2014

"We cannot speak highly enough of our experience with Corina and Sheila. Lizzie and I so often tell our friends that our investment in Neighbourhood midwives was the best money we have spent. I only wish we had made the decision sooner and taken full advantage of the knowledge, support and confidence it gave us. I am a passionate supporter in the concept of the NHS but sadly we did not have a happy experience throughout the pregnancy. Having Neighbourhood midwives as our advocate throughout the labour and post-natal eased the process so much. As for the labour itself; we were so fortunate to have a dream day. But I don't see this as lucky. I really believe we have Neighbourhood midwives to thank for how well the day went. And that relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere throughout the labour has continued in the early days of Lili's life and our adventure as parents. Both Lizzie and I have several friends starting a family and we have strongly urged all of them to engage Neighbourhood Midwives. I simply cannot overstate the importance of having such a strong, sympathetic and experienced advocate to be at your side throughout this most remarkable experience of life.

Tim and Lizzie, Maida Vale, December 2013

"My first birth was relatively straightforward from a medical perspective, it was traumatising emotionally and left me skeptical of my body's ability to birth without intervention, fearful that I wouldn't be able to cope through a normal labour, and afraid of the hospital setting. As soon as I knew I was pregnant with my second child, I knew I wanted to try for a natural birth. During the prenatal period, Annie Francis and Tina Perridge were amazing at helping me work through these fears and anxieties so that during the labour I was able to just let go. By the time my labour was imminent, I was completely at peace with the possibility that I might end up in the hospital setting I had previously been so fearful of, because I knew I could 100 per cent trust their judgement and expertise. When I finally went into labour at 7am, I was holding my baby girl within 2.5 hours after a beautiful home birth and I truly believe a large part of that had to do with the fact that I could be so relaxed because they made me feel so safe. During the labour they were nothing short of brilliant—calm, soothing, loving, positive motherly energy, helping me get back in control when I started to struggle, but also knowing exactly when to stand back and let nature take its course. The monitoring they did was so gentle and non obtrusive that most of the time I wasn’t even aware it was occurring. They were perfect guides through a challenging but beautiful experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life. They were my epidural, and then some(and definitely my husband’s sedative!)

Amy, South Kensington, October 2013

Rachel, (our midwife) was just great and we were so glad we had her help and support. Neighbourhood Midwives is a fantastic service for mums-to-be and new mums and I shall be recommending them to anyone who will listen!

Helen, Tooting, October 2013

"For my second and third births, I was looked after by the same midwife who, over the months I was with her, became my mentor and inspiration. I felt cared for, supported and safer than I had ever felt going through the hospital system. I enjoyed two beautiful homebirths."
Nadia, Battersea

"I went to an independent midwife when I had my first child 12 years ago. The consistency of care was crucial to me. Having an independent midwife gave me the emotional support that I needed; someone I could talk to and trust. They helped me through my pregnancy, the birth and most importantly the aftercare. 

My midwives got to know me well and I looked to them for both friendship and advice. I confided in them about all my worries about being a new mum. I also built an invaluable friendship with two local girls which my midwives introduced me to. After 12 years these girls and I still meet regularly. Thanks to my midwives I have made great friendships and I have very fond memories of both my midwives and the births of my boys."
Emily, Wandsworth

"Having my own midwife helped me feel safe and secure during the scary business that is giving birth. It was great to have someone take care of all the medical information so I could concentrate on giving birth

Without a doubt probably the best money we've ever spent. Having the experience of Tina telling me to reach down and feel the baby's head as she (Marcia) crowned was one of the best moments of my life. You'd never get that moment without the care of your own midwife."
Nick and Jacintha East Sheen

"I had a caesarean, so I was one of the few for whom a natural birth was not meant to be. The operation can be a bit of a trauma but Annie and Tina literally held my hand all the way and after the birth they helped me so much. Every birth is different I suppose and no one knows how things are going to turn out but I can say having them around to look in on us every day while I was recovering made the most enormous difference to my relationship with my second baby daughter. I will never forget how they were able to lift our spirits."
Sylvestra, Peckham

"Considering this was my first pregnancy, I felt that Eleanor really gave me the confidence that everything was progressing as it should. I felt that I was the one who was ultimately making the decisions. Kelvin was included all the way through and never felt pushed out or not made part of the decision process."
Jane and Kelvin, Bishops Waltham, Hants

"You gave me huge confidence that we would be able to have Ruth at home - but equally, the confidence to know that if you said we needed to transfer, then we really needed to go. The NHS system simply did not confer this level of confidence at all - and you were worth every pound as a consequence. It removed a lot of the stress, waiting for Ruth to be born."
Nicola and Mark, Stockbridge, Hants

"The reason we chose you Eleanor was to get continuity of care - which is sadly lacking in the NHS. Your ability to build relationships, not only with me but also with the rest of the family was fantastic and gave everyone confidence. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend you to anyone. Even though the homebirth didn't work out as planned, having you as my advocate in the hospital was invaluable. Looking back now, I can even say I enjoyed the whole experience!"
Sally and Nigel, Winchester, Hants

"Tina helped us through the postnatal period, and if we had known what we know now – we would have wanted her by our side throughout the whole process.
Tina was exceptional in her care, non-judgemental and just so supportive.  She was there for all of us – my husband, baby and me.  When a baby arrives, people tend to focus solely on the baby’s needs, what is unique about the care we received, is that Tina treated us as a family unit, recognising that if one of us was struggling – then we all would!

My experience of becoming a mother was made so much clearer, easier and calmer because of Tina, and most importantly, she gave me confidence that I am and could be the best mother for my baby. 

Many people comment that Aidan is a relaxed, calm and happy baby, and I believe this has a lot to do with the support that Tina gave us in his early days of life.  We cannot thank you enough for all that you did for us!
Patrick, Vicki and Aidan, South London

"Although always a slightly nervous experience first time around, having ONE midwife who understood us (me and my husband) and supported us at every turn, gave us the confidence to make the right decisions for us. Being allowed to include our midwife in our hospital birth made sure we had a positive birth experience. Sharing our story with my NCT group, I was the only one out of 7 who could say this!"
Samantha, Kingston

"I cant recommend this service enough!! Rene was fantastic and put us at ease straight away. The tongue tie procedure took seconds & my son hardly fussed. I noticed the difference in feeding immediately - I can't believe I didn't know about the Neighbourhood midwives sooner! Mummy & baby very happy" Lindsay, Sidcup

"Having a midwife you know and trust during pregnancy, birth and beyond is such a vital key to normalising birth and giving women the best chance of feeling empowered, in
control of what happens to them, and experiencing the positive birth they deserve"
Milli Hill
Founder
The Positive Birth Movement

"It makes no sense at all that despite outcomes for mother and baby being better with a known and trusted midwife, and ultimately costing the NHS less, the vast majority of women, over 80% infact, won't know the midwife who is with them when they have their baby. They will see a succession of midwives before, during and after the birth. Care from a known and trusted midwife should be available to every woman, on the NHS, but at the present time this is rare. We need to look for clever ways to get us to a place where more women and their babies are able to benefit from true continuity of care, a place where commissioning groups are commissioning services that deliver this care, the care women want. By launching a self funded service across South London, Neighbourhood Midwives are taking the first big step towards this goal. By proving that their model works and building their track record they will get themselves to a place where CCG's will commission their services so that they are free at the point of delivery. The Birth I Want wholeheartedly support Neighbourhood Midwives in their approach and look forward to the first CCG commissioning them!"
Vicky Garner
Founder
The Birth I Want