The way we work

Mimosa Midwives work as a small team caring for women on a one to one basis. We work towards developing a relationship of trust and confidence, ensuring that every woman is at the centre of her care, that she is able to fully make informed decisions based on the available evidence.

This means that in our discussions the evidence we work with include research, the needs and values of the woman (including cultural and spiritual) and of course our clinical knowledge and experience.

Professional Indemnity Insurance is currently being sought to come into line with European legislation in late October. Once this is legislated we will not be able to support care in labour and birth without appropriate cover.

Our organisation is working hard to secure this, in order to preserve the way we support mothers.

We do at least 10 antenatal visits (from an early booking), undertaking the usual examinations and screening; then we attend for the labour and birth; postnatally we visit mother and baby twice a day for the first few days (as required) and then once a day, gradually tailing off to suit the mother and baby's condition and needs.

Preferably we like to work up to an hour away from our homes, and there ought to be at least 2 routes in case of traffic problems, although we do use flashing green beacons when we have to move quickly.

Full care is given in the woman's home, primarily; but we also accompany her to hospital or birth centre (as her advocate) if she chooses or a need requires her to be there. We therefore work with the relevant clinicians within the NHS to ensure continuity for the woman, and strive maintain good relationships for her benefit.

As a standard, we write to the woman's GP, Health Visitor and the Head of Midwifery at her chosen hospital. This introduces us and lets them know the outline plan of her care. It is important to note that her entitlement to the NHS does not change, even though she has chosen to have independent midwife care.

We are not allowed to share women's information with anyone, without her consent; excepting if there are safeguarding issues and she has refused. But we would always have that discussion if this arises.

As midwives, we always have access to a senior hospital doctor if the need arises; and we use this if it is required.

We are available 24/7, be various means, from the time a woman books with us until 6 weeks after the baby is born, to establish and embed infant feeding.

We go fully on call from 37 weeks until the birth. Direct telephone or pager contact.

Regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council, we are licensed annually to practise as a midwife. Our personal supervisor of midwives (she is not not our manager/boss) is there to help us to ensure women are able to access best care.