"Independent Midwife - why would you NOT have one? Definitely some of the best money we have ever spent, if you can put a price on peace of mind for experience of pregnancy/birth."

"The laid-back, friendly affection shown to the whole family was quite outstanding.  Fiona couldn't have had better support.  There were no hard and fast rules, everything was very flexible.  The advice given was to be followed up only if Fiona was comfortable with it.  All the normal medical observations were made, but in such an unobtrusive way that they were barely noticed.  I am quite sure that it was the team's attitude that allowed Fiona to have such a speedy recovery to full strength and enabled her to breastfeed so easily without any complications."

"I only wish all women could have this wonderful service - it allows childbirth to be the natural happening that it is - soothing away any fears, which helps to take the sting out if it!"

"It's just so hard to sum up, there are so many little things that add up; just knowing that there is someone at the end of a phone to answer any query, however silly or not, not waiting for hours for appointments in a clinic, up to date knowledge, getting results, understanding the same results and what's happening."

"A big thank you to Jacqui for seeing me through a 2nd labour and birth even though I was sure I couldn't do it again!! You will always remain a big part in the special memories we have of the birth of both Harvey and Kacey. Thanks for your ongoing help and support."

"Sandesh, Thank you for your calm reassuring presence during my labout and birth. Your support and friendship help restore the confidence I'd lost after my first birth and has been an excellent example of true midwifery"

"Jacqui thank you so much for looking after me so well before, during and after the birth of Dorothy. I can't express Ted and my gratitude for the joyful and easy birth that you and Kylie enabled us to have and especially for all the care and common sense advice in the early days. You were like a big sister that knew lots of stuff ! and I looked forward to your visits for the chat as much as anything else! The whole birth and parenting experience has been such that God willing it won't be too long before your services will be needed again."

"I enjoyed all appointments, and looked forward to seeing my midwife throughout, which only added to the whole experience."

"Jacqui and Sandesh supported me 100% throughout my pregnancy, labour and birth as well as the first few weeks of Connor's life - a really difficult time as Connor didn't feed well at first. They never once questioned my decisions, but listened to my concerns and expectations, gently guiding me through the ups and downs of becoming a first time mum. Jacqui and Sandesh are not only excellent midwives but also great people to have as support in these exciting but often nerve-wracking times"

Photo by Fran Monks

"Jacqui once again many, many thanks for the support, advice, comfort and just 'being there'. I don't doubt that it was all made so much easier by having you there."

"Building up a relationship during the pregnancy, so that during labour you don't have to worry about who will look after you (will there be anyone to look after you!) or be run off their feet, changes of shift etc."

"Having independent midwives was easily one of the best decisions I have ever taken."

"Being given 100% attention and someone who knows what your preferences are."

"I trusted Elke's judgement completely."

"The care after birth was not something I had thought about, but particularly after my first son, it was priceless. I would not have breastfed without their support."

"Suggestions were always useful and practical."

"Appointments are at home at your convenience - you can't ask for much more."

"Our intention had been to move to Ireland shortly after the birth of our first son but, I knew I'd regret not having the same birth experience and care, so we decided to stay in London until after the birth of our 2nd child so Elke could look after us - we were not disappointed!"

"Elke and Sandesh offer: cheerful, calm, competent, professional, personal care."

"My partner and I built up a really good relationship with our midwives over the months leading up to the birth of our son Eddie."

"The labour itself was very long and tough at times, but I felt so safe and cared for that I didn't get frightened."

"Eddie was born at home in a birthing pool, in a wonderful calm environment just as we'd hoped."

"The quality of care I received throughout was remarkable."

"My midwives were endlessly resourceful - really good at solving problems. This was especially important in the period just after the birth, when my son and I needed a huge amount of support to get to grips with breastfeeding."

"Independent midwives help you adjust to the absolute shock of being a parent for the first time."