BOOKING APPOINTMENT

After the initial consultation, if you decide to book with me, a time and date suitable to you will be arranged for your booking appointment. This appointment, along with all the following appointments will be in the comfort of your home. The purpose of this appointment is to record your medical history and any previous maternity history.

At this appointment, I will inform you about all the tests, scans and screenings that are available to you during your pregnancy. I will provide you with information based on research which will allow you to make an informed choice as to which of these tests, scans and screening you feel are appropriate for you. Remember, however, that none of these investigations are compulsory and you are free to refuse all tests, opt only for certain ones or to have all appropriate tests carried out.

Scans, should you choose them can be arranged privately or via the NHS. You are still entitled to have scans on the NHS and just because you choose an Independent Midwife this doesn’t make them more difficult to access. I will help you with this.

At this appointment we will also discuss different ways in which I am able to monitor your baby’s heart beat during each antenatal visit. I will again chat with you about the pros and cons of each method and once you have decided, I will monitor your baby’s heartbeat using the method you have chosen.

This appointment will include a full antenatal examination including routine blood tests (if you decide you want these, they are not compulsory!) urinalysis, blood pressure and a complete medical and obstetric history.

I will provide you with a set of maternity notes which you will carry with you throughout the course of your pregnancy. I will update these notes every time I visit you.

This visit is also a great opportunity to get to know members of your family who you feel are relevant to your experience.

I will also give you my pager and mobile numbers so that you can contact me 24 hours a day.

You will need to pay a deposit at this appointment with further payments spread out throughout your pregnancy and the final payment to be paid in full by the thirty sixth week of your pregnancy.