My name is Helen Dresner Barnes. I absolutely love being a midwife! I qualified as a midwife in 2004 from the University of Manchester and have provided 1-1 care for women since that time. I don't think I could provide care for women during childbirth in any other way. When I was pregnant I didn't want to see a different midwife every time, I wanted continuity. I wanted know 'my' midwife and I wanted her to know me! When I asked for this type of continuity it became all too clear this level of care simply wasn't available where I lived. I asked around and was told about an independent midwife - I wasn't even pregnant at that point, but I contacted her just to sound her out. To say I had my eyes opened is an understatement! I can't begin to describe how she transformed my experience of childbirth. It didn't just affect me as mother, it imprinted in me the midwife I have become. I love the fact that no two births are the same and that every woman and baby bring their individuality to their childbirth making it such a unique experience. One system simply does not meet the needs of all.

The family picture is my tribe. Having six children is a very grounding experience, my eldest is nearly 21, so I have experienced mothering children of all ages and am now learning the joys of mothering adults! I feel honoured to be their mother, it is a joyful learning curve :-) . My family are like associate midwives. They think the comings and goings associated with midwifery are a normal part of family life and the older children remember clearly the births of their younger siblings. For us birth is a normal family experience!