I will be forever grateful to have had Debs as my midwife for the birth of my son. I came to the decision to have a homebirth very late in my pregnancy, having had a traumatic experience in hospital with my daughter and a miscarriage in between. After meeting Debs to discuss the possibility of having a homebirth I felt certain that it was what I wanted, and able to gather the strength to overcome the trauma I had carried with me in the preceding years. The care she gave me and my family, particularly postnatally, not only enabled me to have a positive birth experience, but also to come to a better understanding of what I had gone through with my daughter, and to work through some other difficulties too. She is deeply committed to supporting women to make the choices that are right for them, and she does this with compassion and kindness. And with cups of tea, tears and laughter! I have the deepest respect for Debs and will always be grateful for the care and support she gave me and my family.

— N.

Debs was my lead midwife for my second child. My first birth was an NHS Homebirth and had been traumatic. I sought out independent midwifery as soon as I found out I was pregnant again. It was the best decision I have ever made in my life. Debs care was incredible and I mean seriously, truly and honestly incredible. Every visit from her (and there was a lot for my anxious self!) was a joy and gave me the time and freedom to heal, grow, share and connect. By the time labour came around, I felt so chilled out I almost missed getting Debs there in time but she made it with 30 mins to spare and was the guiding light and helping hand I needed. The birth was incredible, empowering, strong and beautiful. Hands down the best experience of my life. Debs was right there with me but in the most quiet and beautiful way I never new I needed. Debs stayed for hours after and helped me with every single aspect of what comes after birth. It felt like the most pure and loving motherly care I have ever experienced, something I craved so much. The care didn’t stop there, Debs was there for me for the days and weeks following birth. I couldn’t have received better attention and advice. Just when we were about to be discharged, my baby became seriously ill. Debs was there for me every step of the way. Visiting me in hospital and being available for advice and support. I can never thank her enough for this unexpected and continuing care during the hardest time of my life. If you are thinking about going independent and haven’t decided yet please let this post make your decision easy. I would choose Debs a thousand times over and I can’t express how lucky I feel to have her in my life, both then and now. 

— E.

Debs was one of our midwives in 2019. She was an amazing support throughout my pregnancy, was attentive and reassuring in all antenatal appointments and so supportive postnatally.My plans didnt come to fruition unfortunately, but Debs accompanied me in hospital and was a sounding board and an advocate for me in putting a new plan into place. She visited the day after T was born while I was still in hospital to make sure that I was ok and my wishes were being met. She made sure I got the best from the circumstances, I'll be forever grateful for that.Even a year later, I have contacted her to ask a few questions and she is always there when she can be.

— L.

Deb visited us on day 3 for a one off postnatal visit, and I would hugely recommend this to anyone with or about to be with a newborn. This was our second baby, and despite being though the newborn days before having someone to ask all our questions to, who could take the time to listen and discuss in depth any concerns was hugely reassuring- especially when baby is not following the instruction booklet they come out with. In your postnatal notes Deb provided a full check up on me and baby, and we felt this was a safe space to ask anything we needed to and trusted Debs expert advice. This was even more relevant in the current covid climate- because of this we were due to have telephone calls only on day 1 and day 3 with our community midwife, meaning we wouldn’t have seen someone face to face till day 5- in the hazy newborn and pjs days seeing someone in real life means so much- and can be vital in spotting any issues or supporting with feeding for baby and recovery for mum. Whenever I’m asked what is the best newborn gift someone can buy I would always say peace of mind and anything that makes you’re life easier or less worrisome in those early days- and so my mum got us the visit as our newborn gift- and it was the best one we received!

— C.

Pregnancy, birth and post partum would not have been the same for our family without Debs and her amazing dungarees! She helped put our toddler at ease with her warm and friendly attitude. She fully supported our choices and having her advocating for me during transfer to hospital made the entire experience so much calmer than my first child's birth. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend her to anyone who will listen!

— L.

Where do I start? I have received an incredible amount of support from you... I may not have been pregnant very long, but you are amazing! You offered me support and advice during both of my miscarriages and I am grateful for everything that you do. I know I can rely on you to be calm and level headed with any problems I have no matter the day or time... I feel at ease when I get your reassurance even if the outcome is bleak... You go above and beyond to make me feel supported and listened to and that makes all the difference. I hope to experience more of your maternity care in the future

— T.

Debs help through my pregnancy, labour and once my baby was here has been invaluable! Her wise words have always helped calm me when In a difficult situation, her knowledge flawless, her support incomparable. Debs helped me through a number of difficult situations, helping me feel empowered and in control by talking me through a situation and helping me find the answer that was right for me. I am so grateful for her support and would recommend her to everyone!

— B.

Debs has been an incredible support for me throughout my midwifery training – even right from the start, before I had applied to University. Her understanding and advice has been invaluable to me. Her approach to midwifery care is refreshing and inspirational; she is a true advocate for women. Debs emulates everything I hope to be once qualified. She will truly go above and beyond for you to provide exceptional gold standard care.

— S.

At a time when our deepest vulnerabilities were raw and surfacing again, when our family was just emerging as a unit, Debs gently and compassionately accompanied us through the rollercoaster of emotions and doubt, helping us to find our own feet and find our own way into parenthood. We were never told what to do or how to do it, although we also trusted that she would let us know if she thought something was awry. We knew that our values would always be respected and that Debs would never try to impose her own ideas or opinions. This helped us forge our own path into parenthood, safe in the knowledge that we would be supported to find the path that was best aligned with our family. 

— Anon

When I had my daughter there were feeding issues from Day 1. Debs provided the support I needed to keep believing in my ability to breastfeed successfully. Offering many ideas and suggestions, as well moral support and cheerleading. Through weeks of exclusively pumping, Debs unblinding belief in me and my daughter was instrumental in her finally latching at 12 weeks old! There is no doubt that without Debs I would have given up before that point. I went on to breastfeed my daughter to the age of 3y10m, which seemed impossible in those early days!

— V.

Deb’s knowledge, support & rapid responses have been invaluable during my fourth trimester.  For me personally, the fourth trimester has been the most challenging, and with the Covid pandemic effects on medical care, newly living away from home, a difficult labour and this being my first pregnancy, it has been a very lonely & overwhelming time. Deb’s has made me feel so comforted, and unlike some medical professionals, she always brings positivity and honesty to any questions I have thrown at her.Thank you so much, I cannot thank you enough.All pregnant Mummy’s you are very lucky to have Debs by your side! I wish I’d reached out to you sooner Debs

— L.

I have known Debs for 13 years and in that time she has been a constant inspiration to me and has advised and helped me with the birth trauma that I experienced when having my first son. She supported me when I wanted to make a complaint against a gynecologist, helped me navigate my way through being birth partner and was the defining influence that led to me having a truly informed, powerful home birth with my second son. Through knowing Debs I have evolved from believing that if the outcome of birth is a physically healthy baby then a women cannot complain, to understanding that every service offered throughout a pregnancy is a choice, that asking questions is never wrong and that women can choose what happens to their bodies and their babies. From first hand experience I would recommend Debs to any family as a midwife and advocate. She will work with them to ensure they have the confidence and knowledge to make their own personal decisions throughout a pregnancy. She is an outstanding advocate for women's rights and would tirelessly give her voice and support to her clients birth choices. I have left every conversation with Debs stronger, more confident and more educated. Educated about my body, my rights and filled with her confidence in my power to make informed decisions. She is a gift to women, a funny, brilliant, wise, powerhouse who you definitely want in your corner.

— L.

Saved our son, saved my sanity and saved me from court Where do I start? I first met Debs after a rather traumatic labour and delivery and I needed answers. Debs gave me the clarity I needed that the hospital wouldn’t. We found ourselves expecting number 2 rather quicker than planned. I was a mess. With my PTSD and the problems still raging with the hospital we were all for terminating. But for some reason I just knew I needed Debs. She put me at ease from the word go, nothing was too much trouble even my weird questions at weird times. If she wasn’t sure she’d find me the info I needed. So that was how she saved our son and my sanity and I suppose in a way my marriage (other half was traumatised too and for him knowing that I had the support I needed was very beneficial. But not only that, the support that Debs provided for him too). Appointments were always fun and relaxed with our eldest intrigued with the contents of her bag, the ghost was a definite hit and Debs frequently left with numerous different fruits and vegetables. As my date got closer I was in denial, but having Debs support got me through and on the night I just knew when I needed her. I decided I needed to transfer in and Debs came with me. We were met by a rather obnoxious (to put it politely) doctor, who immediately triggered my PTSD. Knowing I had Debs with me gave me the strength and courage to stand my ground (and saved me from throwing something at the doctor and as such saving me from court). We’d got to know each other so well throughout the course of my pregnancy that we knew what the other was thinking without even saying anything, we could just look and know. It’s unlikely that we’ll have another (although we have said maybe in a few years) but the one thing I do know, I would want Debs there and she’d be probably the second person to know about a positive test.

— C.

I now understand that every birth is valid.It's not about a hospital birth, a home birth, a ten minute birth, a c-section, a birth without interventions, or one with all the pain relief going!It's about feeling safe. Having people around you that you trust and that know you. It's about being informed enough to make YOUR OWN CHOICE.This is everything that Debs/the Storks were to me. I don't know how they do it?! Their knowledge and expertise around birthing, both the physical and emotional was remarkable. Yet, most days it doesn't even feel like they are midwives, it just felt like a friend popping round for a cuppa! Thank you for empowering me to trust my gut! Thank you for helping me to talk about and ease the pain of a traumatic first birth. Thank you for giving me the time, space, and unbiased information I needed to allow me to birth my second child in the way that was right and safe for me and my baby. Thank you for reminding me I have a choice!

— K.

I contacted Debs as I was pregnant with my fourth child, and had reached a place where Id built up a fear of NHS professionals and Local Authority due to incidents of failure, let downs and overbearing professionals.Im now a mother of 4 healthy kids. One of my children happens to be a home educated, wonderful 8 year old who is also Autistic. I did not wish for him or myself to be intruded upon by NHS red tape warriors, unlawful data sharing and uninvited opinions on our life choices, but more importantly so I wished to have a stress free pregnancy and post natal period, free of judgement, full of excitement and for my family to just carry on with a very normal happy way of living.Debs gave me all of that, everything we needed and wanted, and nothing we didnt...with a good few belly laughs thrown in.As I had a scheduled CSection I knew I simply needed ante & post natal advocacy, care and support and Debs happily tailored her package around us...a bit like a squeezy hug.My experience was so positive, I may even do it again!Thanks so much Debs.

— J.

Debs has been my midwife twice now, in my 1st pregnancy which unfortunately ended in a miscarriage she provided so much support and compassion, she was there for me, answered every question or query even if they seemed silly. I even sent her a message querying a second miscarriage which was very early. Fast forward to my 3rd pregnancy (1st surviving baby) there was only 1 person I could imagine leading my care! Even after the indemnity crisis I knew that I wanted that same support that I had received previously. Debs is amazing! She's always there for you, she is so genuine and kind hearted. She will put up a fight for you, defend you and truly empowers you to stand your ground. I was not an easy case by any means but I felt fully supported and was never met with any hesitation when asking questions about the choices I had. She was always happy to answer the most bizarre questions, engage in conversation which was totally unrelated to the maternity care, she made me feel calm and always knew when I needed a joke to cheer me up or motivation to get me through. Not being able to be present for the birth was always going to be the hard part but in a way I felt like she was present, all those visits and messages, check-ins made me feel like she was right there when I was struggling with the complexities of my birth, "what would Debs do?", "What would Debs say?" I ended up with a pretty traumatic birth but Debs was immediately there afterwards (by message) asking me how I was, checking in on my recovery, making sure I was being looked after. As soon as I was home she came to visit and I felt calm again, at peace, she has an amazing aura about her. I never feel shy to speak up and ask questions, especially those totally TMI questions. She supported me and my baby for 1 whole year from the start of my pregnancy until 3 months postpartum and I cherish every single second spent. I don't think I could've done it without her. Through trials and tribulations of breastfeeding issues, information about a condition that my daughter might've had (false positive), wound checks, a birth exploration, fighting for me to access the mental health care I needed, showing me how to use my wrap. She's got you covered on all angles. Even now 2 months after discharge I still drop her a message or 2 asking a question because I trust her opinion and I know she's got a resource, a link or knows who I should get in touch with for more support. She's become a friend, someone I trust and who I feel genuinely cares about me, she's a listening ear and always there if you need her. So if you're looking for 100% personalised care and a truly outstanding Midwife with a genuine passion for maternity care and the women she looks after then you should definitely go with Debs!

— T.

A friend recommended contacting an independent midwife, and this was because I felt anxious that I otherwise I wouldn't see a midwife as much, with it being my third pregnancy. She said Debs was very good but also very popular, so I had to book fast. I was around 14 weeks when I contacted Debs and explained I wanted more care from a midwife, and that's precisely what Debs gave! Debs went above and beyond.  I'm so thankful and happy to have had such fantastic support throughout my third and last pregnancy. I would highly recommend Debs, she is an excellent independent midwife who loves what she does, and it shows in her care.

— C.

Debs was our midwife for the postnatal period for both our children and I would have no hesitation in recommending her to other families.

Having seen how minimal the postnatal care is on the NHS and feeling like the postnatal period was going to be such a large adjustment I was very keen to have proper postnatal care and was so thankful that Debs was able to do this. Being able to be based at home and Debs visiting our home daily once we got home was amazing. It meant that we could establish ourselves as a new/expanding family with lots of cuddles and skin to skin which really helped with establishing breastfeeding and we never had to traipse across the city to different places for support as it was right there in our house. And also contactable at all times in between visits as things often crop up at other times.

Debs is extremely knowledgeable and experienced and we were able to have nuanced discussions about things that came up in the postnatal period, and could refer in to NHS services as needed/wanted.

It was also such a pleasure the second time round having Debs back in the family, and she really involved the toddler in the care, listening to the baby inside, helping weigh the baby and also weighing favourite toys and putting up with the endless questions that a toddler might have about all things birth related!

— B.