Navigating the Maternity System
If you want to go deeper and feel more confident navigating the NHS maternity system, my eBook Pregnancy, Birth and Beyond is designed to support you every step of the way. It breaks down what your rights are in pregnancy and birth and how to ask questions, weigh up options, and give informed consent without feeling overwhelmed or pressured. Each family that hires me as their in person or virtual Doula also has access to my carefully curated library of books and online resource file with template letters and guides on how to navigate the system.
This isn’t about telling you what choices to make. It’s about helping you understand your options, trust your instincts, and advocate for your wishes with clarity and confidence, whatever path your pregnancy or birth takes.​
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Ok lets get to it, navigating the current NHS maternity system can often feel overwhelming, but I am here to help you through it.
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As a certified pregnancy, birth and health advocate with When Push Comes To Shove, I have received extensive and on going specialized training in holistic maternity care, your rights, hospital guidelines and policy v's law, and advocacy, allowing me to provide the support you need to make informed decisions about your pregnancy, birth, health and postpartum care.
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Advocacy is about ensuring your voice is heard and your wishes are respected, especially when it comes to medical decisions and your birth plan.
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When Push Comes To Shove is the world’s first holistic maternity care and health advocacy organisation, founded by Nikita Stark. Their focus is on empowering women and families and supporting them to advocate for themselves,know their rights and ensuring they have access to the information and support they need throughout their journey.
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This approach is integrated into all of my work, allowing me to guide you to become empowered in your choices, whether you're working alongside maternity services or choosing a different path.
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I am equipped to support you in various scenarios where advocacy may be needed.
Here are a few examples of how I can help:
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1. Birth Plan Preferences
If you have a vision for your birth, whether it’s opting for a natural or drug-free birth, or avoiding certain interventions, I can help ensure your preferences are respected and communicated to your medical team. I’ll assist you in advocating for your choices, even when the hospital’s protocols might not align with your birth plan.
2. Interventions During or Before Labour
If you're offered or feel pressured to accept interventions like an epidural, induction, or cesarean section, I will help you make an informed decision that aligns with your birth goals. I’ll assist in asking the right questions to understand why a certain intervention is being recommended and if it’s truly necessary for your health and the health of your baby. This is not about doing it my way, but doing it your way.
3. Pain Management Options
I can help you explore all your pain management options whether you prefer natural techniques or medical pain relief and ensure you feel confident and informed in your choice. I will advocate for your needs, ensuring you’re not pressured into making a decision you're not comfortable with and that when you do make a request or decision, it is heard.
4. Postpartum Care
If you feel that your postpartum care, such as breastfeeding support or mental health care, is not being addressed, I’ll advocate on your behalf to ensure your concerns are heard and that you receive the care and support you need during the early days of motherhood. If you are choosing to opt out of routine postpartum services such a health visitor and midwife appointments, baby checks or vaccinations, I am able to guide you to the correct information on your rights to do so and how to navigate this, this is where my popular template letters come in.
5. Respect for Cultural or Religious Beliefs
If you have cultural or religious preferences that influence your care, I will help ensure they are respected by the medical team and incorporate them into your birth plan and wishes where possible.
6. Unexpected Medical Complications
Should complications arise during labour or birth, I will help you understand the options presented to you, ensuring you’re making informed decisions that are in line with your values. I’ll be there to advocate for you in times when you need extra support to process complex medical information.
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7. Communication Barriers
If you face language barriers or difficulty communicating your needs or understanding the information being shared with you, I can bridge that gap, ensuring your wishes are understood and respected.
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8. Support During Hospital, Home or Birth Centre Procedures
During routine procedures, I’ll ensure you’re informed about what’s happening, that your consent is always obtained, and that your autonomy is respected at every stage of the process.
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By being trained through When Push Comes To Shove, I am equipped with the knowledge and tools to provide this level of advocacy. I am here to ensure that you feel confident, supported, and empowered in your choices, whether you are in a hospital, birthing centre, or at home.
My goal is to make sure that your voice is heard, your needs are met, and that you and your baby have the birth experience you deserve.
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