My husband Mike and I decided to find an Independent midwife following my first appointment at my local surgery. Unfortunately by the time I had waited 45 minutes to see the midwife I felt too rushed to ask all the questions I wanted to ask -through no fault of their own the midwives were under staffed and simply trying to see as many mothers-to-be as possible in a short space of time.

I contacted Amelia and when when the three of us met, Mike and I pretty much made up our minds instantly that we would like to work with her. Amelia was very professional and put our minds at rest, letting us ask as many questions as we wanted (no matter how trivial). We loved Amelia’s sense of humour and her straight forward attitude, I asked if I could contact one of her existing clients, which I did and was very happy to hear that she thoroughly recommended Amelia.

I found the monthly and then subsequent weekly visits from Amelia completely re-assuring. In addition, if ever I had any concerns that couldn’t wait, Amelia was always available on the phone. Another huge advantage was that Mike was able to be present at some of the visits asking his own questions (which were usually completely different from mine).

When my due date came and went, rather than having to go into hospital and be induced, Amelia came over to help speed things along more naturally, two days later I started having contractions early in the morning. I phoned Amelia who had already talked me through what I would be experiencing and a few hours later she had arrived (with her own gas and air!) and we were on the way to hospital. Unfortunately it was a long labour but Amelia stayed with Mike and I throughout the night giving us both encouragement and advice throughout. When I was worried about pain relief and the best route to go, Amelia was on hand to help me make decisions without making up my mind for me.

At 10am the following morning, our beautiful son Oscar was born. Amelia stayed with Mike and I in the birthing room and then made sure I was settled in to the ward before going home to get some well deserved rest. I spent one night in hospital and meanwhile Amelia was speaking to Mike to make sure I was OK and arranging to visit when I returned home.

Amelia initially then visited us every 2 days which was so important to us in those incredibly scary early days when you suddenly realise you are completely responsible for another tiny human being. Additionally Amelia was always available on the phone whenever I had concerns, which in that first week was pretty much every day! Amelia not only ensured Oscar was happy and healthy but she made sure I was too.

Mike and I are so grateful for all Amelia’s help and support and wouldn’t hesitate in recommending her.

Having had Amelia’s support for the birth of my daughter, I felt confident enough to try a homebirth with my second child. I wanted to give birth in the water and Amelia was fully supportive. My husband was a little unsure, but Amelia’s calm expertise reassured him.

Gabriel was born in the pool in our dining room and the water was as comforting as I’d imagined, supporting my weight and relaxing my muscles.

After the birth, Gabriel and I were able to stay in the water together. Then my daughter came back and we all went upstairs for a cuddle in bed.

I’m so glad we had Amelia’s help and encouragement – she shared a wonderful experience with us.

Our first baby, Jeremy, arrived at home less than 2 hours after labour started. Amelia made what could have been an emergency procedure seem calm and normal. When I bled excessively, Amelia came with me in the ambulance and reassured me throughout, remaining at the hospital until I was settled.

On becoming pregnant a second time, we engaged her immediately. Tom was premature so we had to have him in hospital but I turned to Amelia through labour and delivery.

When, a week later, he stopped breathing, we phoned Amelia straight after calling an ambulance; she arrived first and saved his life. Again she accompanied us to hospital, holding him in the ambulance when I was too scared to, and remained with us until well after he was ventilated and in an incubator.

Amelia called every day for the two weeks we were in intensive care and then resumed caring for us as normal when we came home. It was wrong of me to call her that awful Sunday, but you turn to someone you trust in a crisis and she was the first person I thought of to care for my baby

From the moment I first met Amelia, as she walked through my front door, I knew she was the right person for me to provide my maternity care.

I had wanted a home birth with my first baby, but due to the baby being breech presentation it ended in Caesarean Section. My second baby was a successful VBAC in hospital, so with my third baby I thought this time I would get the home birth!

Amelia provided wonderful antenatal care. She visited me at home and was always at the end of the phone, and very accessible by text! She built up a wonderful relationship with my husband and me, but importantly with my two daughters. They felt very special and part of the whole experience. Amelia always listened and remained open minded, I felt my care was always patient led whilst remaining within the safety of her professional knowledge.

The birth was wonderful, very quick and natural, the reason being I was very happy and relaxed in my labour . The experience will always remain with me as one of the most special moments in my life.

Amelia was back to visit us within hours of the delivery and continued to support us during the postnatal period for as long as we needed with practical advice and support.

I am not planning a fourth child, but if I were, I would most definitely want her care, support friendship and true professionalism again.

We felt you were flexible and attentive around our time schedule. You were always available on mobile phone. The pregnancy workshops were very useful and helped build our confidence and anticipation for the birth.

Your attendance at hospital visits and the fact that you arranged these appointments was invaluable. You were very attentive during labour, encouraging us at every stage. This support was very reassuring to us. You remained with us through the long hours of labour.. amazing!

The aftercare and answering questions was very helpful and appreciated. Attention to Olen was first rate and your child development background was terrific for explaining development and actions of Olen. Your home visits were frequent, useful and practical especially getting breastfeeding established. We were made to feel confident and then given space, but with follow up to check on our progress.

On discharge we felt ready to jump into parenting with confidence.

In summary Dean and I were very pleased with the full service you provided. Your extra skills in Reflexology and Aromatherapy and long background in midwifery and baby interaction/development was excellent. We recommend you highly.

When I first met Amelia the thought of having a home birth hadn’t crossed my mind. I was just happy to know that I’d have continuity of care throughout my pregnancy.

However, as my pregnancy progressed I began to consider having a home birth and Amelia was able to give me all the support and information I needed to make my decision – and two weeks later (earlier than expected) baby Olivia was born at home!

Amelia was there for me every step of the way and with her support, encouragement and sense of humour I couldn’t have asked for a more perfect birth.

I will always be grateful to Amelia for delivering my beautiful baby daughter and for making her arrival such a memorable experience.