CLARITY: SUPPORTING WOMEN ON THEIR PREGNANCY JOURNEY
At Clarity Scanning & Holistic Health, Midwife Mairead is with you every step of your pregnancy, offering your expert care and support.
WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO OPEN CLARITY SCANNING & HOLISTIC HEALTH?
As a busy mum juggling a demanding career, I commenced my journey with reflexology training, and I set up a room to offer this service. When working with women in both my reflexology room and in the NHS, I quickly identified a gap in private services within my community.
As a midwife who has undergone additional post graduate training in ultrasound scanning for midwives, I wanted further exposure and skills in this practice, therefore considered the possibility of working in another private facility. It was my husband who encouraged me to venture out and expand ‘Clarity’ to offer this service in my own premises. It was evident that my plan was unique as I am a midwife who scans and also provides holistic treatments to pregnant women under the one roof.
HOW DOES YOUR EXPERIENCE AS A MIDWIFE INFLUENCE THE CARE YOU PROVIDE AT CLARITY?
From experience as a midwife, I understand women’s emotional and psychological needs as well as physical. Following women through from the antenatal period, to labour and postnatal – that’s a huge journey. Here at Clarity, I offer them the space to discuss any of these needs. It could be an informal chat before or after the service, or it can be deeper level during a reflexology session and that is what creates healing.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF SCANS AND HOLISTIC THERAPIES YOU OFFER?
I offer early reassurance scans from six weeks, gender determination scans from 16 weeks, 3D4D scans from 24 weeks and basic bonding scans at any stage of pregnancy. In addition to that, we also offer women the option of enhanced 8K imaging which is clearer than ever before due to the amazing, advanced technology. It is like looking at your newborn! If women or couples prefer to find out baby’s gender much sooner than this, then we are also a sneak peek provider. This means a simple blood test is taken from the woman from six weeks and they will have their results back within one week.
Holistically, I provide reflexology to all clients, not just in pregnancy. I also provide Indian head massage and reiki healing.
WHAT MAKES YOUR CLINIC DIFFERENT FROM STANDARD HOSPITAL SCANS?
Our clinic often offers same day appointments with no referral required. Couples can attend at any stage in pregnancy. Often in the NHS, scans are medically indicated. This means, if there are no risk factors in the pregnancy, a couple will only be offered two scans within their pregnancy in total. However, due to previous history or experiences women often want additional scans to check in and see baby.
Another difference is additional guests are most welcome to join the couple, this includes children. Women enjoy this option as they share the experience with their family, including baby’s siblings. We also offer longer appointment times, giving couples longer watching baby on the large screen. Furthermore, we offer advanced technology – 3D4D and 8K – which is not an option under the NHS.
YOU EMPHASISE PRIVACY AND PEACE OF MIND WHY WAS THIS SO IMPORTANT TO YOU?
Those early days in pregnancy are often exciting times but also can create anxious emotions. As a society, we don’t announce our pregnancies until we know everything appears well. As a mum, I would have loved to have attended somewhere private and secluded for that first scan. Instead, I was in a busy waiting room in front of others further on in pregnancy.
HAVE YOU HAD ANY PARTICULARLY MEMORABLE OR TOUCHING MOMENTS WITH CLIENTS?
I was present at one client’s birth which was just something else! From an early scan at seven weeks to holding a baby in our arms was quite positively emotional. To complete the entire journey, for me is what it is all about.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED RUNNING A PRIVATE CLINIC WHILE STILL WORKING AS A MIDWIFE?
I would say my one challenge is time! I’m sure anyone running a business would agree it is constantly busy. It is not just the services, but the admin, the marketing, accounts etc it takes a lot of time.
HOW DO YOU STAY UPDATED WITH THE LATEST ADVANCEMENTS IN PRENATAL SCANNING?
As midwives, we are in a continuous professional development profession which means we are constantly keeping updated with recommendations, new guidance and advancements. It is second nature to continue to read articles and research papers to ensure I practice evidence-based care. From a private perspective, I annually attend independent training to keep my scanning skills up to date.
TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR FAMILY LIFE?
I’m married to Barry, and we have four wonderful daughters together. Our girls ages range from three up to 17. So, we are experiencing both ends of raising children. One little one going through the trenches of being a typical three-year-old, to girls studying and learning to drive! We have a busy house but wouldn’t have it any other way. They are a fabulous support to me, and I am blessed to be a girl mum!
HOW DO YOU BALANCE BEING A BUSINESS OWNER, MIDWIFE, AND FAMILY LIFE?
I find it best to be quite strict with my time in all areas. I am lucky as a midwife to have set hours in your typical 9-5 role. I currently don’t do long shifts which helps.
In terms of the business, again I’m strict with the evenings and weekends I open. I will ensure I have at least a couple of evenings off during the week and work half days over the weekend to give me the balance of providing the service and protecting family time.
On top of that, I am also studying at master’s level in advanced midwifery practice with plenty of research and assignments to be done. Little and often is my motto to chip away and get the work done! It is only short-term, and the long-term gain is worth it all.
WHAT DO YOU ENJOY DOING IN YOUR DOWNTIME
I’m the girl who loves to get out to lunch and enjoy a take away at the weekends after a busy week. After a busy shift at Clarity the best way for me to switch off is to get into a good gripping Netflix series.
WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS FOR CLARITY?
I’m so excited that Clarity is expanding to add in hypnobirthing antenatal education programmes! I feel this alongside reassurance scans and holistic treatments will make a positive influence in women’s journey.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO EXPECTANT MOTHERS WHO ARE FEELING ANXIOUS?
Try to understand the root of the reason that is making you feel anxious and then you will know what you need to do to seek reassurance or guidance. If it is in relation to the physical pregnancy, always give your local NHS midwife a call and explain what’s happening as they will guide you best. In terms of wellbeing, explore holistic therapies and find space to talk, to really talk.
