I am married with three daughters, two of whom were born at home. When they were younger, I worked as an Antenatal Teacher with the National Childbirth Trust for many years, and still retain a passion for empowering women to make their own choices around birth issues. I became a registered midwife in 2001, and have worked within the NHS in Berkshire and Oxfordshire since then, mainly in Community based posts.
I love laughing, cooking, swimming, science fiction, comfy clothes, slushy music and Terry Pratchett novels, especially the ones with witches. I see myself mostly as Nanny Ogg, with a tiny hint of Granny Weatherwax. Sometimes. I am a little bit Magrat Garlick too.

My qualifications include…

Registered Midwife
BSc Honours Degree in Midwifery
Antenatal Teacher National Childbirth Trust
Member Royal College of Midwives
Neonatal Life Support 2005, Resuscitation Council of the United Kingdom

Being a Registered Midwife means:

I can attend births as an autonomous practitioner (someone who takes responsibility for their own practice professionally) as well as care for women during pregnancy (antenatal carer) and for up to 28 days after the birth (postnatal care).
The Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) regulate my practice and you can check my registration status here.
I work within the NMC Midwives rules and standards. You can obtain a copy from the NMC website.
A Supervisor of Midwives local to each of my clients provides professional advice and support, ensures my practice is safe, up to date and appropriate, and inspects all my equipment regularly.
I have been trained to deal with emergency childbirth situations and attend regular update sessions.