h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Hi JulesK


I've had the pleasure of being present at 4 births (2 at home and 2 in hospital)- I gave Shiatsu (Japanese bodywork based on traditional Chinese medicine) to the labouring women for pain relief and emotional support, so I'm not sure if this makes me a doula.

Most of the midwives that saw what I was doing found it to be interesting and were suprised at how effective Shiatsu was. One of the midwvies from the last birth I was at is also studying with the teacher of my Shiatsu in maternity care course!
I guess what I do is maybe seen by the midwives as being different to the work/support of a doula, in that I'm not a threat to their authority?

I love the idea of a doula helping you out after the birth with your cooking etc!
It's a shame that we don't live in communities any more where that would happen naturally by friends and family.


You mention your "quest to sort out my healthandstuffrelatedtobabies" - have you tried traditional Chinese medicine, ie herbs and acupuncture? They can have a very positive results.
For me what worked was the combination of Chinese and Ayuvedic (traditional Indian medicine) herbs - 2 months of those and I conceived naturally after many years of trying!

Good luck getting sorted

Thanks both Will maybe share more when things are more positive

Feel free to drop over to my personal space if you want to chat Jules.

I did my first antenatal check as an independent midwife last week. It was great to spend 1 1/2 hours with someone in their own home whilst they got on with cooking and looking after the other children I also attended my first homebirth with another independent midwife yesterday. Wonderful air of ordinary about this everyday miracle! family were all there and we midwives blende into the background just as it should be. Beautiful big baby and happy parents, siblings, granny and pets. I'm so looking forward to getting clients of my own

to all of you!

zdt*proud mummy of Yoda & hopefully soon Coeur

Sounds good, Meg

Excellent news Meg!

You will have your own clients soon
You already have a great start

Thanks everyone,
I didn't know Terri was expecting a hope it's a good one
Good day for the business yesterday. I delivered lots of my leaflets to a local company which has had several people looking for an Independent Midwife recently. One of the nearest midwives will not be taking on anymore clients as she herself is pregnant again. And another local midwife's plans to go independent have been delayed (which shouldn't be a good thing, but it gives me a head start)

It's a good one, yes! Papa is black soppy bugger huge Irish Wolfhound type; Mama is feisty foxy little alsatian type. They live together, dunno if they are actually married (!); but are agreed that 9 babies are too much & need to go to new mummies , but not until they are weaned & happy to move on into the bigger, wider world.

There is no great rush; human Papa & Papa are very, the adoption process takes place in its own good time. We all get to know each other & go for walks by the riverbank first.

with the project for happy human babes!

zdt

I've always wanted an Irish Wolfhound. When and if life calms down I hope to accomodate one. Till then cats and hamsters will have to suffice

Had a meeting today with my very first potential client
We chatted for an hour and asked each other plenty of questions but she's also interviewing another midwife this week, so I have to wait to see who she chooses. I really hope it's me but did tell the woman that she must trust her instincts and choose the midwife that is right for her. Here's hoping.

The fact that you told her to follow her instincts and choose the midwife that's right for her will probably tip the scales in your favour!

I agree with Leo about that comment


A US study said the hormones that are off when women have post partum depressions are helped and the incidence is lessoned, with breastfeeding due to the hormonal changes for the Mom
Nice study to hear about.
I think I saw you say that somewhere Meg.

Thanks for the kind words. I returned from France this week and my potential client had left an answer message. She wants me to be her midwife!!!!!!!
I am so excited. I'll get the chance to be a real midwife (meaning "with woman").
I won't be able to guarantee a perfect birth, but will be able to provide a much more suportive and loving environment than she'd receive in the NHS.

Excellent news!!


I wish you the best of luck Meg (although you won't need it)!

I booked my lovely client last week she's on my mind most days now.
Still no word from the last woman that enquired.
Doing lots of back-up visits for an independent midwife locally.
Another independent midwife has asked me to be present when she has her baby next year. This for me is a great honour as she's never even worked with me

I wish you lived a bit nearer to me Meg - I'd love for you to be my midwife.


Excellent news on your clients!