Irene Vine
Meet Irene, one of our passionate Independent Midwives, who shares her journey into midwifery, embracing freedom in practice, and advocating for empowered births.
WHY DID YOU BECOME A MIDWIFE?
I became a midwife because I was fascinated by birth and giving birth seemed like a field that needed some feminist activism!
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE INDEPENDENT MIDWIFERY?
That is the only way I have ever wanted to work. I believe it is the only authentic way to practice midwifery.
DO YOU EVER FEEL ISOLATED IN YOUR WORK?
Not at all! I have just started and I already have really good relationships with the other IMs in the area. The support is amazing.
WHERE IS YOUR ‘PATCH’?
Essex, Suffolk, East London and Cambridge.
WHAT ARE THE BEST PART(S) OF BEING AN INDEPENDENT MIDWIFE?
The freedom to manage my own time.
WHAT IS YOUR PHILOSOPHY AROUND PREGNANCY AND BIRTH?
I believe that pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period are powerful rites of passage and as such they require a change. These changes are emotional, spiritual and physical. How well one adapts and accepts them will translate into how easy the experience is.
HOW DO YOU SEE YOUR ROLE DURING A BABY’S BIRTH?
My role is to help women prepare for birth so well that they don’t feel they need me at all during the birth. I am there for safety and reassurance.
ONE THING YOU WISH SOMEONE TOLD YOU BEFORE YOU BECOME AN INDEPENDENT MIDWIFE?
I wish I knew that it was going to be the easiest thing I have done in my career. I waited 10 years to make the move and once I got over my fears I have never looked back. It felt so right.
WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST CHALLENGING PART OF BEING A BUSINESS OWNER?
Social media and promoting myself.
DO YOU HAVE A MESSAGE FOR BIRTHING WOMEN?
Trust your body and yourselves. Question medical professionals that do not know you as they may not have your best interest at heart.
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Copyright Independent Midwives UK 2014
ORGANISATION
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Registered Address 66 Victoria Road, Summertown, Oxford. OX2 7QD Company Number IP030536