This page is a printable version of: https://www.iow.nhs.uk/our-services/planned-care-services/maternity/community-midwifery-service.htm
Date: 06 October 2022

Current waiting times (average) Emergency Dept. (A&E): 58 minutes Emergency Dept. (children): 63 minutes Learn more about our waiting times

About Us

Community Midwifery Service

As a maternity service, we offer community based clinics across the Island. These clinics are run by our midwives and you will be seen here from your very first appointment onwards (unless other hospital appointments are necessary).

Where possible, we aim to book your pregnancy at around 8-10 weeks. We then aim to offer you regular appointments at these clinics for the duration of your pregnancy.

Our Community Midwives work in teams, grouped to cover geographical areas of the island.
You will be allocated to a team based upon where you live, and be cared for by a Midwife from that team throughout your pregnancy.

Our teams are as follows:
The Harbour Team - covering Newport, Cowes, and between.
The Bay Team - covering Sandown, Shanklin, Ventnor, West Wight and between.
The Marina Team - covering Ryde, East Cowes, and between.

Community Coordinator contact telephone number: 01983 534329

What to expect at your community appointment.

At each contact with your midwife, you will have a blood pressure check and a urine test (please bring a fresh specimen to every appointment), and the midwife will 'listen' to your baby. She will also ask you some general health and well being questions.

If the midwife feels it is necessary, she may refer you up to the hospital for further checks. For example: a scan to check baby's position or to put you on a monitor (a CTG machine). This machine can listen to your baby and record the baby's movements.

Professional Midwifery Advocate

A Professional Midwifery Advocate (PMA) can offer guidance and support about any aspect of your midwifery care. This includes:

giving you time, in a confidential and comfortable environment to discuss your plans for birth
providing advice and support about care options available to you, particularly if you choose care outside hospital guidelines
monitoring the ability and behaviour of your midwife to ensure that she meets the standards set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC)
following birth, listening to any concerns you may have about the care you received and then discussing these concerns with the midwife if appropriate. Discussing your birthing experience and explaining events.

If would like to speak to our PMA, Rosie Parkes, you can contact her via:

Phone: 01983 822099 ext 3644

Email: iowmidwifery@gmail.com

Or ask your midwife for a referral.