Get the most out of your MIDWIFE

She’s there to give you all the antenatal care you need. Follow these steps to make sure you get the very best, says NCT adviser Elizabeth Duff

- Elizabeth Duff

ASK HER FOR INFORMATION

A midwife can offer knowledge in everything from pregnancy and birth, to your local National Health Service (NHS) trust’s services, from local pregnanc y groups and good classes to try after your baby’s born. Ask your midwife if she recommends any particular websites or apps for reliable information too.

DISCOVER WHAT SHE’S INTERESTED IN

It may be that your midwife may be trained to offer hypnobirthing, reflexology or other complementary techniques. Ask her about her interests, particularly if you are considering trying these approaches, and consider what might help you relax. If something’s really important to you, you’ll need to organise it early on.

MEET THE EXPERT

Elizabeth Duff is a senior policy adviser for the NCT, and was a member of the National Maternity Review Team in England, which looked into NHS maternity services.