Welcome to
True Roots Midwifery
welcome to
TRUE ROOTS MIDWIFERY
Independent Midwives
Holistic Pregnancy and Home Birth Care
in Dorset and the South.
* Call, text, or WhatsApp +44 7908790286
* Instagram @truerootsmidwife
@southcoastindiemidwives
* Email Pam@truerootsmidwifery.co.uk
Childbirth is a unique and special part of our lives and with it women can feel empowered and powerful. Many say it is not how they gave birth that matters, but how they feel about how they gave birth.
You may have strong wishes about the type of care that you want to receive, others simply want unrushed, individual care and the benefit of being able to develop a bond of trust with a midwife they know.
Occasionally a woman wishes support for a home birth having been told she is high risk or outside of guidance.
Some just want to feel sure they will be able to have their choice of a home birth facilitated, at whatever point their baby decides to come.
Sadly, maternity services are increasingly stretched, often unable to provide continuity nor to logistically support a home birth service.
As Independent Midwives, we work alongside you to meet your needs. We listen to you and give you tailored care, either as stand-alone private practice, or in conjunction with NHS services, whichever you choose.
We give person centred care to all, from all backgrounds because we are all unique.
Your body, Your baby, Your choice
We are strong advocates of promoting women's choice, and of home birth. We are committed to helping you to feel informed and supported. We provide you with the continuity of a dedicated midwife whom you will meet and get to know throughout the duration of your care.
We meet you in your own home (or your choice of place), and can give you the time you need. This is an important part of the relationship and trust that is built, then when labour happens, you feel free and can let things can flow naturally, the way they are meant to.
We trust you and your body, and we can help you to empower yourself. Although nobody can predict exactly how your pregnancy, birth, or baby will be, we will support you in your journey, facilitating your wishes and helping you to be informed and make your own choices, so that however your baby comes, you can feel in control of your body.
"Birth is about making Mothers - strong, capable, competent mothers, who trust themselves and know their inner strength" ~ Barbara Katz Rothman
Women and babies who birth at home have lower rates of intervention, equally good outcomes and require less analgesia.
We are experienced Midwives and can support all births, including active birth, waterbirth and normal vaginal birth following a previous caesarean section (known as VBAC).
Occasionally, a woman might choose obstetric input in her pregnancy or need to transfer to a hospital setting. We are familiar with NHS care and if possible, would still support you during your time there. We also understand that occasionally, complications can happen; we are skilled in clinical practice and are trained to respond to maternity emergencies should the need arise.
Please discuss openly with us your wishes, questions and concerns; we are here to support you. Ultimately, having a baby isn't only about the birth outcome, our goal is to help you to grow yourself and your family from your pregnancy journey to life with your new baby. We can't plan everything, but we can help you prepare for your transformation into motherhood.
Our midwifery services...
We offer antenatal and postnatal care, labour and birth care, and antenatal education. We provide evidence based clinical care and also support non-pharmacological therapies. You can choose all, or a bespoke selection of our services.
We give holistic care right from our first planned visit, when we book you for midwifery care. This is an in depth background and information gathering session, so we can identify your needs and plan with you accordingly. Thereafter we will be dedicated for the duration of your pregnancy, with visits for antenatal checks, as well as ongoing telephone support. From 37 weeks of pregnancy up until your baby is born, we are on call, available 24/7 to you for labour. After your baby is born, we support you postnatally with caring for your baby and yourself, and feeding your baby. We also perform your baby's full Neonatal checks, weighing, full NIPE and screening.
Water Birth
Water birth is a phenomenal way to help your physiology, and we have lots of experience of helping women who chose to labour or birth in it!
Much of our body's composition is water and women gain comfort and release in the birthing pool. Often they do not require any other analgesia.
We love supporting women who wish to labour or birth in water and can loan you a birth pool as part of our Dorset home birth package.
Placental Encapsulation
Aromatherapy
Your placenta is the amazing organ that has grown your baby. It contains hormones and stem cells, essential fats, and amino acids. You can benefit from those life-giving components after your baby is born; these capsules can help to reduce your chance of baby blues, reduce post birth bleeding, boost energy levels, and help breastmilk supply.
As a stand alone service, you can choose to have your placenta encapsulated. You will be provided with full instructions and a collection pack. We can arrange to collect your placenta, which is then meticulously prepared with strict hygiene measures. The capsules are returned to you promptly for your use.
By arrangement, you can also enjoy the benefits as a homeopathic tincture.
If you wish to use this service, please contact us for more details.
Aromatherapy uses pure essential oils extracted from aromatic plants, which have therapeutic properties. The oils are used in massage, in a diffuser, or allowing the mother to inhale their aroma. This can help reduce stress, anxiety and pain, and promote relaxation, enhancing your sense of well-being, by working with your physiology.
We are trained in aromatherapy for pregnancy and offer you aromatherapy as a gentle and natural way to give support in pregnancy and during labour. We provide oils safe for both mother and baby and we can offer a mix tailored to your individual needs.
Aromatherapy
Non-pharmacological therapies
Hynobirthing
Homeopathy
You may feel apprehensive about labour, and some women may even feel scared, but it doesn't have to be this way. Hypnobirthing allows you to be relaxed enough to produce endorphins to physiologically enhance your labour.
Hypnobirthing can be used in any setting - hospital or home, and for any birth scenario.
Part of seeing you regularly during pregnancy is to impart information and help you prepare for birth. We will give you some hypnobirthing tools to help you prepare, so you can feel calm, or even excited about your birth!
Homeopathy is a natural and safe form of medicine that uses highly diluted substances to stimulate the body's natural healing abilities.
As part of our commitment to providing holistic and personalized care to you, we are happy to support your use of complementary therapies during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.
You may choose to use this approach to help address a wide range of physical and emotional issues.
Ultimately our goal is to support your overall well-being and help you have a positive and empowering birth experience.
Classes
Antenatal classes, sometimes called parenthood or birth preparation classes, aim to inform you about your pregnancy and your physiology, as well as learning about what to expect after baby comes. You will also learn about the postnatal period and feeding your baby and we can guide you to think about what sort of kit you might want to get to be ready for your little one.
You will have opportunities to practice your skills and there will be time for questions and we encourage you to ask. You may wish to look at colostrum harvesting or perineal massage - let us know!
Classes are in a small group setting, and whilst you don't have to, you are welcome to bring a partner or support person if you wish to, so they can learn with you.
Antenatal
Learn about you what you can expect in labour and ways you can prepare, helping you feel confident in making choices about your birth.
You will be taught about the physiology of how your body and your baby work together for birth, and what happens immediately after birth.
You can learn about active birth, optimal positioning, strategies and techniques for labour, including natural therapies and hypnobirthing.
Understand what your birth choices are and what it means to have a home birth.
We will also explain about pain relief and what happens in hospital care.
Birth partners will learn how they can support you, with practical ideas.
Birth Preparation
Upcoming classes
Led by Midwives, our next
Antenatal classes: 2025, venue TBC
You can attend at any suitable time in your pregnancy journey, but it is
beneficial to aim to start somewhere around 28-30 weeks of pregnancy.
Classes are usually spread over 5 weeks and can last from 2 to 3 hours.
Free samples and refreshments included.
Contact us for booking or enquiries
Keep an eye on this space for more updates on classes!
*Coming soon*
AQUANATAL CLASSES
fun pregnancy & postnatal exercise in the pool!
Resources & Information
Feel like starting off with some research to inform yourself? Here's some suggested reading:
In your own Time - Dr Sarah Wickham
Childbirth as a rite of passage - Rachel Reed
NICE guidelines
We can also supply various useful items that you may wish to complement your plans:
Birthing combs
Cord ties
Raspberry leaf tea
Essential oils - early labour or anxiety mix
Affirmation cards
Pool liner, pool hose
Water birth pack - floor protector, pool lights, sieve, thermometer (can be used for baby baths afterwards!),
All midwives in England are registered with the Nursing & Midwifery Council, the regulatory body in the UK and adhere to the NMC code of conduct. You can find out more about registration, and individual midwives, on the NMC website.
It is a legal requirement for all Midwives practicing in England to have indemnity insurance. We hold cover for you for antenatal and postnatal care provided by our Royal College of Nursing (RCN) full membership. For your labour care, indemnity insurance can be provided by the local NHS trust if you live in Dorset, or via private insurance arrangements ( private insurance does incur an additional cost). We also work with the private midwifery company, Private Midwives, outside of Dorset.
Privacy notice
We adhere to data protection regulations and will not share your personal confidential information without your consent. Within the scope of our care for you, we do comply with mandatory legal requirements to share information for birth notifications, safeguarding reasons or by court order. We also offer to share relevant and personal health information, in order to provide optimal pregnancy care, with your local NHS trust, you Gp and health visitor. In compliance with the law, your records are kept by the care provider. You may request a copy of the records we hold about you, for an administration charge, by writing to us.
From time to time, we work alongside other pregnancy related disciplines and sometimes may suggest practitioners or suppliers whom we know, where you may wish to explore additional options. These include homeopathy, reflexology, chiropractor, doulas, post natal care providers, breast feeding/lactation support etc. These are merely intended to enhance your range of choices, we are not affiliated with them and do not benefit from any financial consideration.
Gallery
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Q. Why choose an independent midwife?
A. We offer real continuity so can dedicate much more time to you (visits can often be 1 - 2 hours). You will benefit from seeing the same midwife throughout; we will get to know you and you will know us. This is how we develop that relationship of trust and as your midwife we are committed to being your advocate, confidante and support. This way we can understand your wishes and needs, to aid you in your choices. We tailor our care to suit you and visit in the personal setting you choose.
Q. Can I choose who is at my birth?
A. The short answer is yes! We have happily supported mums to have their birth partner(s) of choice, even their other children present. However, please bear in mind, whilst it may seem a nice idea to also have a sister, aunt, friend etc (especially if you have a big family), it is not a spectator sport, it is about YOU. Labour flows best when it is undisturbed and we want you to feel safe in your own intimate space with your chosen support around you.
Some women wish to freebirth. This is your choice but please speak to us if this is what you are considering, to see how we could support you.
Q. I am already booked with the NHS, can I still book with you?
A. Yes. Women can choose where and with whom to give birth at any stage of their pregnancy, you can have both if you wish! Of course, we listen to your wishes and offer support and advice to help guide you. We will remain open and honest with you about what choices are offered to you, by the NHS and by us, and why.
Q. I have had a difficult birth or a Caesarean section before, can I still have a home birth?
A. It's possible. At our consultation, you can share with us how you feel about your previous birth and the reasons. We will openly discuss this with you and look at your options so you can make fully informed choices, which we will support you with. You are welcome to request a debrief session to talk about your previous birth experience.
Q. How does it work?
A. We meet for a consultation, chat and get to know each other. We understand how important it is for you to have pregnancy and birth support that is right for you, if you feel we are a fit, you can book with us, for the care that you want! We work with the second midwife, who can complement your care, and assist your midwife. If you wish, where possible, you can meet with both midwives during your pregnancy. We see you at regular intervals during your pregnancy, check your well-being and listen to your baby's heartbeat. We also give you information and advice about your pregnancy, labour and after. We do liaise with other healthcare professionals where appropriate, and can help you arrange for clinical tests (eg NHS blood tests, scans) if you wish.
Q. What are the fees?
A. We charge an initial consultation fee of £100+mileage. If you decide to book with us, this is deducted from your total fee. A complete Antenatal, home birth and postnatal package with us starts at £4950. Smaller, bespoke packages are available for women who do not wish to have a complete package. Depending on what care you would like, and the indemnity insurance arrangements for your care, the figure could vary, up to £6950 and we would discuss this fully with you at your consultation. Please do discuss with us if you would like a smaller package or may wish to break down the payments and we will try to help. A mileage charge of 45pence per mile is added for all visits.
Q. What is included?
A. Visits at your home, usually lasting 1-2 hours. Pregnancy care is offered that follows NICE guidelines and includes routine tests. We can help liaise with scans and screening if you wish. You are in control of making choices about your care. Telephone advice and support is available throughout your pregnancy, and after birth, where needed. We are available on call for you, for your labour and birth 24/7 from 37 weeks of pregnancy until your baby is born. We also give Postnatal follow-up care and infant feeding support. You do not pay any additional costs eg of a second midwife when used, we cover that. A loan of a birth pool is included in our Dorset package, however you must purchase a pool liner. We provide all clinical supplies and carry emergency childbirth medications.
FAQ's
* Call, text, or WhatsApp +44 7908790286
* Instagram @truerootsmidwife @southcoastindiemidwives
* Email Pam@truerootsmidwifery.co.uk
Contact us
Have other questions?
Want to talk?
Thinking of having an independent Midwife?
Get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!
Accreditation
NMC registered
BSc Midwifery
RCM Member
RCN Member
Hypnobirth practitioner
Aquanatal instructor
IMUK Member
Member of ARM
GRDP registered
DBS checked
True Roots Midwifery and True Roots Midwife are trading names of True Roots Ltd. Website photography design www.del.social
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I am all about woman centred care where women are supported and heard, and sometimes even healed in their childbearing. I believe informed choice should not just be lip service, it is absolutely what you must have.
My heart and soul truly loves the Mummys I work with, and the whole process of women growing and birthing their babies - I am passionate about the aspect of midwifery that is a meeting of physiology, science and spirituality, and about facilitating women's choice, helping you to empower and trust yourself. I understand how important the motherhood journey is in your life. I will listen to you and respect your wishes and will work so you are informed every step of the way. This way, you can make choices that are right for you.
I know that pregnancy and childbirth is primarily a normal physiological process, rather than a medical condition, and utilise a natural approach as well as the crucial midwives' tool - watchful waiting, to provide care with you and your needs central and top priority.
I have 18 years experience ranging from a busy inner city labour ward, a midwife-led birth unit, community and home birth support, before moving away from the NHS to do what I'd always wanted - be an Independent Midwife! ( Although I still keep my hand in and occasionally work an NHS shift.) I have eight grown up children and a dog. I had home births, hospital births, a Caesarean section and Vbacs, and helped with my grandchildren's births, so I do appreciate many different perspectives. When I am not midwifing, I'm enjoying making music or my camper, or all together!
Our Midwives
Pam
An experienced midwife who has worked for many years as a core midwife on the labour ward, as well as being competent in antenatal and postnatal care, before working as an independent midwife.
Jo brings to women, her knowledgable and gentle midwifery and is passionate about natural birth, enhancing your labour care with homeopathy, and has advanced training in biomechanics.
Along with looking after her three children, (all laboured in the pool and two were homebirths), Jo is an accomplished cellist, has two dogs and regularly helps out at the local Steiner School.
Jo
