Birthfully Independent Midwifery
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​holistic  
 empowering   personal

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Independent Midwifery: Your body. Your baby. Your choice.
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Independent midwife covering Frome, Bath, Bristol, Somerset, Devon, Dorset, Wiltshire and Oxfordshire 
As an independent midwife, I am directly employed by the families I care for. The benefit of working with a private midwife in this way, is that you get to choose who will be accompanying you on your journey through pregnancy, birth and beyond. Over the course of your pregnancy we have the opportunity to build a strong and meaningful relationship based on trust, communication and continuity. Because I carry a small caseload, I am able to give you the time and attention you need. I provide evidence-based care, and respect and support the choices you make from a place of openness and non-judgement.

I am passionate about my work, and dedicated to providing a high standard of care. Working with me, you will feel fully supported and safe throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal period, knowing that the choices you are making are fully informed, understood and respected.


My goal is to support you and your baby to have the best birth possible, even if things do not go according to plan. I work closely with you to develop your confidence and intuition, whether we're working together in pregnancy or after your baby is here. Birth is the great mystery, and cannot be controlled, but we can work together towards the birth you want, so you can start to unlock and understand the gifts and opportunities for growth and healing of this particular pregnancy and birth, supporting you to feel positive and empowered however things unfold. ​

​Working independently means that I can offer you personalised, one-to-one continuity of care whether you are planning a home birth or a hospital birth. You are still entitled to blood tests, scans and consultant appointments through the NHS and I can help you to organise these as needed. 

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​"Birth is not only about making babies, birth is also about making mothers... Strong, competent, capable mothers who trust themselves and know their inner strength." 

​                                         - 
​Barbara Katz Rothman


Antenatal Care
Pregnancy is a very special time, preparing to meet your baby and developing a relationship of trust with your midwife. Appointments are in the comfort of your own home and scheduled at a time that is convenient to you and your partner. There is plenty of time to discuss your choices and decisions, and to work with any fears that may come up along the way, enabling you to feel empowered and confident by the time you are welcoming your baby. Antenatal care consists of monthly visits until 30 weeks, then fortnightly until 36 weeks, then weekly until the birth of your baby. You can book additional visits to supplement your NHS care, or choose a full antenatal package. I also facilitate mother blessing ceremonies and shamanic drum journeys to connect with your baby.
 
Birth Care
I will be on-call for your birth 24/7 from 37 weeks of pregnancy if you have booked for my full midwifery package. A “second” midwife (who you will have met during pregnancy) will also be quietly present at your labour if needed. While you are in labour, I will support you in a way that meets your needs and respects your choices. I have extensive experience supporting and facilitating water births and incorporate many techniques to facilitate a gentle birthing experience. While most women who book an independent midwife are planning a home birth, I also support clients planning a hospital birth where I can attend as a birth partner and offer advocacy and support in a non-clinical role. 
 
Postnatal Care

After the birth of your baby I provide daily checks for approximately the first week, then regular visits that decrease in frequency as your confidence grows for up to a month after the birth. I can support you with any feeding issues and adapting to life with your new baby, which can be especially helpful for first-time mothers. As well as the physical mum and baby checks, I provide emotional support and birth debriefing. Book additional visits to supplement your NHS care, or book a full postnatal package. Postnatal care consists of daily checks on you and your baby for approximately the first week, then regular visits for up to a month after the birth, decreasing in frequency as your confidence grows. I also offer birth debriefing, birth healing, birth reclaiming and birth closing ceremonies.

 "We felt privileged  to be able to get to know and trust our midwife, and believe that the continuity of care and the amazing support we received is the experience everyone should have.  We wholeheartedly recommend Suyai’s services to anyone looking to employ an independent midwife."


Individualised Care

Evidence-based Care

You are an individual - with your own hopes, fears, dreams and goals. These will form the basis of our work together as we plan your care together in partnership. Your partner or other children can also be involved in this care if you choose.

Because I work independently, I can put you at the centre of your care - appointments are unhurried and last as long as they need, usually 1-2 hours. They take place in the comfort of your own home, and at times that are convenient to you and your family. There are no time constraints, waiting times or competing priorities, and visits do not finish until all your questions are answered.

You have 24/7 access to care and advice from your chosen midwife all the way through your pregnancy and the postnatal period, with the certainty that I will respond and that you will know who will be present at your birth. If things change and a hospital birth is necessary, or if that is what you have chosen all along, then I can provide support and advocacy at your hospital birth.
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 Sometimes things come up that we wouldn't have chosen or planned. Should this occur, I will work with you to explore the risks, benefits and alternatives to any interventions that might be suggested or advised.

I work alongside the NHS, working cooperatively with obstetricians, GPs and other healthcare professionals when necessary. My training and regulation is the same as an NHS midwife, and I carry full indemnity insurance.

My care is based on the best available evidence, and I can help you to navigate the research and provide balanced information, so that you are empowered to make informed choices - helping you to feel confident and in control.​
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Birthfully 
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Suyai Steinhauer, CPM, RM BSc (Hons) Midwifery, SEP​
​private midwife - independent midwife - traveling midwife
 


personalised, evidence-based care in the comfort of your own home
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Telephone: + 44 7563 642857     
Skype: Suyai Steinhauer
Email: [email protected]  
  • home
  • Independent Midwifery
  • Offerings
    • Antenatal Care
    • Birth Care
    • Postnatal Care
    • Mother Blessing, Birth Closing & Reclaiming
    • Shamanic midwifery
    • Birth Healing
    • Massage
  • About
    • Your Midwife
    • My philosophy
    • Money matters
    • Area covered
    • Privacy notice
  • Resources
  • Testimonials