Brierley Midwives

[wellington]

I hope someone can help with this as I'm beginning to feel slightly anxious.

I am newly pregnant (6 weeks) and went to my GP last week and asked to be referred to the Brierley Midwives as I want a homebirth and the type of caseload care that they provide.

This morning I received a letter from Kings about the nuchal scan and it also says that 'a request has been made for you to book at King's College Hospital for the birth of your baby'. I have not yet received a booking-in letter from any midwives.

I am worried that my GP didn't understand who the Brierley team are and just generally put me down for Kings. Can anyone enlighten me as to how the Brierley referral works. I know they only have a certain number of women they will take on each month and am worried that I have/will miss the boat.

I have found the contact info for the Brierley here on the EDF so will call on Monday but any information in the meantime would be very gladly received.

[charlottep]

Hi and congrats on your pregnancy. Call the brierley's on Monday as you can self refer, don't worry about your GP doing it for you. Good luck, they're fantastic!

[jollymummy]

I had both my babies with Brierley Midwives, the first time my GP referred me but the second time I self-referred. If you phone them you will have to leave a message as they only pick up calls at certain times but someone will definitely call you back. This is the number 0203 2996163.

[Convex]

also if you are with DMC then the lanes are also a caseload option, i had a home birth with them. i am pretty sure i was officially 'booked in' at kings as you need to be registered with a hospital and for example they have all my notes so it might just be a routine thing for your letter to say that.

so don't worry! just call on monday.

[wellington]

What would I do without the EDF? Thanks so much for your replies :)) I really appreciate it.

You've put my mind to rest and I'll give them a call on Monday. I don't think I can do the Lanes as I live close to Dulwich Hospital and am not with the DMC.

[sunbob]

I had both babies with the Oakwood Midwives, another local community team, but each letter from Kings about scans said the same thing as yours so I think its just something they say. would def ring anyway and check though just to make sure. Good luck.

[etta166]

I've had 2 home births with the King's College community midwives, including my first child. They were fantastic, and take anyone booked at King's who want a home birth. There are two team that serve the whole King's catchment area and you meet the whole team, but are generally seen by one midwife through the pregnancy and post birth.

If you find you can't book with the Brierly team, it's worth considering the King's midwives instead.

[Carbonara]

Brierley are a community team attached to KCH. Call them direct - hopefully they will be able to take you on but as others say KCH also run a very good team of community midwives and have a good record and statistics on homebirth. If you can't find a number try the self-referring number for KCH midwives service on 0203 299 3796

Have you joined the NCT and booked for ante-natal classes? they will give you good support and preparation for a homebirth.

Good luck!

[connorsc]

Just to say I'm at 28 weeks at present and loving my experience with Brierly, they're great! :)

[wellington]

Thanks for the additional replies.

I am definitely on their list but it does seem to run a bit differently to the main ante-natal section as they don't send a letter but the midwife phones (at some undetermined point) directly to arrange the booking-in appointment. I haven't yet had a call but I've been re-assured I'm on their list.

I've had quite a few friends who have been looked after by the Brierley team and all have had hugely positive experiences.

[Smiler]

That's great, you can relax now!

[Caroline_S]

I'm with Brierly too and they have always been really good at phoning when they say they will to arrange appointments so don't worry too much! And all of the midwives I've met or spoken to over the phone have been absolutely lovely - you are in great hands!

[returnofthenit]

If anyone is looking for Brierly or Brierley, they are now called Birchtree and you can find them on 02034090704!