Everything you need to know about midwifery-led care
Senior Midwife Gabriella Ray leads our midwifery-led care service. Here, Gabriella explains the birthing options we offer and how midwives at the Lindo Wing at St Mary’s Hospital can support you when having a natural birth.
What are the different forms of care a pregnant person can opt for?
You can opt for two main forms of pregnancy care, assuming it is suitable for the health and safety of both you and your baby.
One option is obstetric-led care where a consultant specialising in pregnancy and childbirth provides regular consultations and check-ups. The birth of your baby will take place in a private obstetric-led birthing facility, which offers the latest technology to monitor your baby’s wellbeing under the direct care of an obstetrician, supported by a midwife. The obstetrician’s focus is on monitoring and managing potential complications. This approach is more likely to involve medical interventions such as induction of labour and caesarean section. However, our obstetricians are also passionate about supporting physiological birth choices.
Another route is midwifery-led care which focuses on natural birth and personalised support from a midwife. At the Lindo Wing, we offer a private midwifery-led service which offers a more home-from-home environment and provides midwifery knowledge and support before, during and after childbirth.
Whichever path you take, you'll have access to an experienced professional ready to provide the care you need.
If you have a medical condition that requires specialist attention or are facing a high-risk pregnancy, we can connect you with the right expert.
What is midwifery-led care and how does it differ to obstetrician-led care?
Midwifery-led care focuses on natural childbirth and personalised care with emphasis on the holistic wellbeing of you and your baby. Care is provided primarily by a midwife, and it is comprehensive; addressing the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of childbirth.Your midwife will provide continuous support throughout pregnancy, labour and after your baby is born. This approach generally favours the natural birthing process, promotes minimal medical interventions and will often take place in a more home-like environment.
Why would someone choose private midwifery-led care for their birth?
Choosing private midwifery-led care offers several benefits. It focuses on the physical, emotional, and psychological aspects of childbirth and you will be provided with comprehensive support from a midwife throughout.Some people find a home-from-home birthing environment more comfortable. We have the luxury of having our midwifery birthing suite on the Lindo Wing. This allows you to feel at ease, which enhances and encourages natural birthing hormones, aiding relaxation and promoting labour progression.
After childbirth, you’ll be offered comprehensive postnatal support, such as home visits and support with feeding your baby, ensuring continued care for your family.
We encourage informed decision-making with the aim of empowering you to be actively involved in your birth preferences.
Tell us more about your experience? What inspired you to train as a midwife?
I've been lucky to work in many hospitals and all areas of midwifery gaining valuable skills and knowledge working in labour wards and clinics, as well as supporting home births and community midwifery roles.I love getting to know the families I care for and providing education as well as a calm and safe space to help you build confidence all the way from your first midwife appointment until the moment you welcome your new arrival. The journey doesn’t end there; we also work closely with you to navigate the early days of parenthood. I believe every family is uniquely individual and deserves that quality, expert time.
What do you enjoy most about working at Imperial College Healthcare?
I have the privilege of working with experts in their fields. As a workforce we are a tight-knit group who work collaboratively and show kindness, which from my perspective are two important elements to ensure a productive and well-functioning team.Imperial College Healthcare is a respected and well-known trust. I am proud that our maternity services are rated 'outstanding' by the CQC and I truly believe we live up to that rating.
