LAURA ABBOTT

I first became interested in midwifery when I was pregnant myself 10 years ago. After my son was born, I carried on as a registered nurse for a while before taking the plunge to train as a midwife. I am passionate about midwifery and feel that it is my true vocation in life. Pregnancy, birth and motherhood are such an important and special time in a woman's life. I feel incredibly privileged to be invited into someone's life at such an intimate time. I believe that my role at a woman's birth is one of empowerment and quiet support. I feel impassioned about keeping childbirth normal and am opposed at how medicalised childbirth is becoming.

I particularly enjoy waterbirths and have enjoyed lots of experience with women who wish to birth their babies in water. I experienced a home waterbirth myself with my youngest child.I am a local representative for the Association of Radical Midwives, a member of AIMS, a member of the IMA (Independent Midwives Association) as well as a member of the Royal College of Midwives.

I live with my husband, 2 sons and dog, and enjoy spending time with my family who are very supportive of my chosen career. I like to entertain and see friends; I love escaping into a good film, play or book. I write articles for midwifery and counselling publications. I am being increasingly asked to teach at universities and speak at conferences which is something I enjoy. I am currently undertaking a masters degree in advanced midwifery studies and have recently completed and passed a programme to become a supervisor of midwives

AREAS COVERED:

Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire and North London.

"Speaking at a conference about normal childbirth"