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

I too am plotting to move your house with you clinging on inside if we ever get to that stage!

How lovely you all are
I have another potential client to visit and have attended 2 more births with another local Independent Midwife. Have been on-call lots and have met some lovely families. How lucky I am to do this for a living
My husband reminded me last night that all this was his idea in the first place. I thanked him for having belief in my abilities and supporting me practically, financially and emotionally. I knew I married him for a reason
I'm not unique, there are other Independent Midwives throught the country

Good for your Man! He obviously realises that you *are* unique!

So good for your husband to give you a push or an idea!
You Did it though!

I needed that push, but you are right, I've kept the ball rolling. It has been hard setting up the business, working 3 other paid jobs and trying to be mum, wife, etc. I'm nearly there now. I've been back-up to another Independent midwife a few times and have a client of my own. Now I need to let some of the other jobs go, but it is hard to let go of financial security. Something is guiding me in the right direction though. My nursing job will be coming to a natural end soon, and my midwifery job is becoming intollerable, so I will have to leave

Left my Hospital midwifery job last week. I am now truely independent

YAY!

Congratulations!

Have 2 clients now and another one as of next week!

Excellent news!

I have 3 clients now and attended a lovely homebirth recently. It was a lovely birth, much to the amazement of the doubting relatives who didn't believe it was safe to give birth at home

It has been a real emotional roller coaster, with my first client needing lots of care. I have realised that my poor husband is not the one to support me with midwifery stress and have turned to my Independent midwifery sisters. Thank goodness we're suportive of each other, as the hospital I used to work at is being very unhelpful.

I have learnt so much since going Independent that I would not have known if I still worked for the NHS. I've seen how fragmented NHS care can be,and what a difference having one midwife on your side throughout can make. It's as if each health care provider sees a piece of a puzzle, but I've seen most pieces and can nearly see the whole picture. As well as being stressful it has been a very illuminating start to my journey.

How lovely that your clients are growing in number Meg, and wonderful that women can have you on their team.

A big and for you.

I have now discharged my first client but will be meeting her for a later this week . That leaves two clients. I've not had any enquiries for quite a while but I guess Christmas gets in the way at this time of year.
I attended a lovely homebirth on Boxing day. It was timed well. Just after I'd finished watching a pantomime with my family. My children went to my sisters and I joined them all a few hours later for a celebration of families!
Looking forward to my own clients having homebirths now

My midwifery business is flourishing. No births in January but 3 in February. All home births and one was after a previous caesarean

One of the women was my client. She'd had 2 children by her former husband and is now happily re-married. She wanted her husband to have a good experience of childbirth so chose me
She had a lovely home waterbirth which was everything she had hoped for She has recommending me to her friends and is talking of having a 4th baby! the only thing stopping her is that it may not be as perfect an experience next time. Chances are it would be. She's a good at having babies.
I have another client due next week so fingers crossed - but not legs

Glad it's all going so well for you Lucky clients

Excellent news Meg!

Thanks you two. It's not all rosy though. I have no more clients on the horizon yet. This worries me as bills need to be paid.

I am really looking forward to the next birth. My client booked me early in pregnancy so I have been with her all the way.

I'm also on-call for a midwifery colleague who's expecting her 6th baby.
I'll keep you posted.

I've just realised that it's a whole year since I decided that Independent Midwifery was what I wanted to do. I became an Independent Midwife 5 months ago and have had some wonderful experiences
I've attended 9 homebirths and 2 hospital birhts including 3 of my own clients I am doing what I aimed to do which is to provide high quality care for women and their families, and I am loving it.
It does have it's drawbacks though, financial insecurity, being on-call and the huge feeling of responsibility for these clients which gives me the odd sleepless night. It is still worth it for the privalege of attending the births, and watching the families grow and change.
My last client had her home waterbirth this week which was brilliant but am feeling a little jaded as I'd attended another waterbirth only 12 hours previously. It was my colleagues's 6th baby and all went well

I've had another enquiry yippee!!
The woman's baby is not due til the autumn but at least it is something to look forward to. That is if she decides to book me. We are meeting next week so I've got everything crossed.
At least this quiet spell means that I can spend time with my family. It's half-term and the good weather has arrived so we'll be having fun I really hoped to get away to a few festivals in the summer and it looks as if this will be possible too!

Enjoy your Easter holidays Meg!

What festivals are you hoping to go to this year?