Last updated: 2nd November 2024

 

Please read these Terms and Conditions ("Terms", "Terms and Conditions") carefully before using the https://www.miranda-sykes.com/ website ("the Site") operated by Miranda Sykes Ltd., trading as Midwife Miranda ("I", 'me', "my").

 

1. Acceptance of Terms

 

By accessing or using the Site, and Services, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you disagree with any part of the terms, then you may not access the Site or use the services.

 

2. Use of the Site

 

2.1. You agree to use the Site only for lawful purposes and in a way that does not infringe the rights of, restrict or inhibit anyone else's use and enjoyment of the Site.

 

2.2. You must not use the Site in any way that causes, or may cause, damage to the Site or impairment of the availability or accessibility of the Site.

 

3. Intellectual Property

 

3.1. The content on this Site, including without limitation, the text, graphics, photos, logos, button icons, images, audio clips, digital downloads, data compilations, and software, is the property of my content suppliers and is protected by UK and international copyright laws.

 

3.2. You may view, download for caching purposes only, and print pages from the Site for your own personal use, subject to the restrictions set out below and elsewhere in these Terms.

 

4. Restrictions

 

You must not:

4.1. Republish material from this Site (including republication on another website);

4.2. Sell, rent or sub-license material from the Site;

4.3. Reproduce, duplicate, copy or otherwise exploit material on this Site for a commercial purpose;

4.4. Edit or otherwise modify any material on the Site.

 

5. Service Description and Scope of Practice

 

5.1. I, trading as Midwife Miranda, provide lactation consultancy and midwifery services. The information provided on this Site is for general informational purposes only.

 

5.2. My services are provided within the scope of practice for Registered Midwives and International Board Certified Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs) as defined by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE) respectively.

 

5.3. For detailed information about the services I offer and my professional boundaries, please refer to the Scope of Practice.

 

5.4. The advice provided as part of the services is designed to complement your NHS or private care and does not replace advice provided by your doctor or any other healthcare provider with respect to your pregnancy, yourself, or your baby. No information or advice provided as part of my services should be construed as being specific medical advice to any individual on any basis.

 

5.5. I reserve the right to refuse service to anyone for any reason at any time.

 

6. Professional Standards and Insurance

 

6.1. I maintain professional registration with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) under PIN 14G0996E and am insured by the Royal College of Nursing.

 

6.2. Insurance for stand-alone breastfeeding is provided through Holistic Insurance Services. International Board of  Lactation Consultant Examiners No: L315493.

 

6.3. All information and advice provided as part of my services follows current professional standards and national guidelines in the United Kingdom.

 

7. Confidentiality

 

7.1. Appointments are entirely confidential. Your information and our discussions during appointments will not be shared with any other person unless expressly consented to by you. 

 

7.2. I do, however, have a statutory duty to share information relating to certain criminal offences, or in the event of safeguarding concerns or the threat of imminent harm to yourself or others.

 

8. Appointment Booking and Cancellation Policy

 

8.1. For detailed information about booking appointments, cancellations, rescheduling, and refunds, please refer to the Appointment Booking and Cancellation Policy.

 

8.2. By booking an appointment, you agree to abide by the terms set out in the Appointment Booking and Cancellation Policy.

 

9. Complaints Policy

 

9.1. I strive to provide the highest quality of service. However, if you are unsatisfied with any aspect of the service, I encourage you to let me know.

 

9.2. For information on how to submit a complaint and the complaint handling process, please refer to the Complaints Policy. 

​

10. Disclaimer

 

10.1. The information on this Site is provided on an "as is" basis. To the fullest extent permitted by law, I:

• Exclude all representations and warranties relating to this website and its contents or which is or may be provided by any affiliates or any other third party, including in relation to any inaccuracies or omissions in this website and/or any literature; and

• Exclude all liability for damages arising out of or in connection with your use of this website.

 

10.2. The information provided on this Site does not constitute medical advice and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

 

11. Limitation of Liability

 

11.1. I shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your access to, or use of, the Site.

 

11.2. These limitations of liability apply even if I have been expressly advised of the potential loss.

 

12. Indemnification

 

You agree to indemnify, defend and hold me and my employees, agents, and affiliates, from and against any and all claims, damages, obligations, losses, liabilities, costs or debt, and expenses (including but not limited to attorney's fees) arising from your use of and access to the Site.

 

13. External Links

 

This Site may contain links to external websites that are not provided or maintained by or in any way affiliated with me. Please note that I do not guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of any information on these external websites.

 

14. Changes to Terms

 

I reserve the right, at my sole discretion, to modify or replace these Terms at any time. By continuing to access or use the Site after those revisions become effective, you agree to be bound by the revised terms.

 

15. Governing Law

 

These Terms shall be governed and construed in accordance with the laws of the United Kingdom, without regard to its conflict of law provisions.

 

16. Contact Information

 

If you have any questions about these Terms, including the Scope of Practice, Appointment Booking and Cancellation Policy, or Complaints Policy, please contact me at miranda@miranda-sykes.com.

 

By using this Site and booking the services, you signify your acceptance of these Terms and Conditions. If you do not agree to these Terms, please do not use the Site or book my services.

 

​

​

Scope of Practice

 

Last updated: 2nd November 2024

 

Scope of Practice: Miranda Sykes Ltd., trading as Midwife Miranda.

 

1. Introduction

I am a multi-qualified healthcare professional, serving as a Registered Midwife (RM), an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), and an Accredited Tongue-tie Assessor. This unique combination of qualifications allows me to provide comprehensive care throughout the perinatal period and beyond, addressing various aspects of maternal and infant health.

 

As an IBCLC, I am certified by the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE).

 

As an RM, I am registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) in the UK.

 

2. Professional Qualifications

• Registered Midwife (RM) qualification

• International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC)

• Accredited Tongue-tie Assessor (The Infant Feeding Academy)

• Diploma in Hypnobirthing DipHB (KGH)

• Mental Health First Aid certification (MHFA England)

• Rewind Technique; Treatment for Trauma and Phobias (Human Givens Institute)

• Optimal Birth training (Biomechanics for Birth)

• Ongoing professional development to maintain all qualifications and certifications

• Adherence to continuing education requirements set by the NMC, IBLCE, and other relevant bodies

 

3. Core Competencies

• Comprehensive knowledge of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum care

• Expertise in lactation and infant feeding

• Skills in clinical assessment and care planning

• Proficiency in providing emotional support and education to families

• Ability to assess and manage common breastfeeding challenges

• Competence in tongue-tie assessment

• Understanding of optimal birth biomechanics

 

4. Services Provided and Professional Duties

 

4.1 Protecting, Promoting, and Supporting Breast/Chestfeeding

• Educating and advocating for women, nursing parents, families, health professionals, and the community about breast/chestfeeding and human lactation throughout the periods of Before Birth, Newborn Nurslings, and The Fourth Trimester, through one-to-one consultations and group settings

• Acting as an advocate for breast/chestfeeding as the child-feeding norm

• Providing holistic, evidence-based breastfeeding support and care, from preconception to weaning, for women and their families

• Providing comprehensive antenatal and postnatal midwifery support, including:

  • Antenatal care and education

  • Postnatal care and recovery support

  • Basic midwifery assessments and care

  • Mother and baby wellbeing checks

• Complying with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and subsequent relevant World Health Assembly resolutions

 

4.2 Providing Competent Services

• Performing comprehensive maternal, child, and feeding assessments related to lactation, infant feeding, and general maternal and newborn wellbeing

• Monitoring and assessing maternal physical and emotional health during the antenatal and postnatal periods

• Providing evidence-based antenatal education and preparation for birth and parenthood

• Conducting postnatal checks and assessments of mother and baby

• Supporting normal birth recovery and identifying any deviations from normal

• Coaching mothers/parents in optimal feeding positions, latch, frequency, and duration of feeds, and parameters for infant output

• Assessing effective feeding and milk transfer

• Instructing in establishing and maintaining human milk supply

• Supporting families with the implementation of individualised feeding plans as developed alongside family and relevant health professionals

• Integrating cultural, psychosocial, and nutritional aspects of breastfeeding and early parenthood

• Providing support and encouragement to enable new parents to successfully meet their infant feeding goals

• Respecting the client's right to make choices that are right for their situation

• Using effective counselling skills when interacting with clients and other healthcare providers

• Using the principles of family-centred care while maintaining a collaborative, supportive relationship with clients

• Recognising and referring appropriately when care needs fall outside scope of practice

 

4.3 Additional Services

• Antenatal support and education

• Birth preparation and options counselling

• Postnatal support

• Tongue-tie assessment

• Emotional support for the entire family, including partners and grandparents

• Bespoke support tailored to individual family needs

 

5. Practice Settings

• Private practice

• Home visits

• Virtual consultations

• Community settings

 

6. Collaboration and Referrals

• Collaboration with GPs, health visitors, and other healthcare professionals

• Referrals to specialists when issues fall outside scope of practice

• Working collaboratively and interdependently with other members of the healthcare team

• Providing follow-up services as required

• Making necessary referrals to other healthcare providers and community support resources when necessary

 

7. Ethical Considerations and Client Confidentiality

• Adherence to the IBLCE Code of Professional Conduct

• Compliance with the NMC Code of Conduct for midwives

• Commitment to client-centred care and informed decision-making

• Respecting the privacy, dignity, and confidentiality of the families in care

• Assisting families with decisions regarding the feeding of children by providing information that is evidence-based and free of conflict of interest

 

8. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Compliance with UK healthcare regulations

• Adherence to data protection laws (GDPR)

• Maintenance of professional indemnity insurance

• Recording all relevant information concerning care provided and retaining records for the time specified by local recommendations (usually a minimum of 3 years)

 

9. Limitations of Practice

• Does not prescribe medications 

• Does not perform surgical procedures

• Does not provide medical diagnoses outside the realm of normal pregnancy, birth, and lactation

• Does not provide psychological therapy (beyond standard emotional support)

• Adheres to the scope of practice for each of her qualifications and certifications

 

10. Professional Development

• Commitment to ongoing education in midwifery, lactation, and related fields

• Regular attendance at relevant conferences and workshops

• Engagement with current research in perinatal care, lactation, and related fields

• Continuous updating of skills and knowledge in all areas of practice

 

This Scope of Practice is subject to regular review and may be updated to reflect changes in qualifications, services offered, or regulatory requirements.

 

 

 

Policy for appointment booking, and cancellation

 

Last updated: 2nd November 2024

 

Appointment Booking and Cancellation Policy: Miranda Sykes Ltd., trading as Midwife Miranda.

 

Booking an Appointment

 

1. To book an appointment, please contact me via email, or contact form on the website.

2. Your appointment will be confirmed only after payment has been received in full.

3. Payment should be made via BACS transfer. Bank details will be provided upon initial contact.

 

Payment

1. Full payment is required to confirm and secure your appointment.

2. Prices for services will be provided upon enquiry and may vary depending on the type and duration of the appointment.

 

Cancellation Policy

1. I understand that circumstances can change. However, to maintain a reliable service for all clients, I have the following cancellation policy:

 

1. 48 hours' notice is required for all cancellations or rescheduling of appointments.

2. If you cancel or reschedule with less than 48 hours' notice, the full appointment fee will be charged, except in cases of medical emergencies (see point 2).

3. All cancellations, regardless of notice period, will incur a £20 administration fee.

 

1. Cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice will only be accepted in cases of medical emergencies or extenuating circumstances. In such cases:

   1. Proof of the emergency will be required (e.g., doctor's note, hospital admission record).

   2. The £20 administration fee will apply.

 

1. If I need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, you will be notified as soon as possible and offered alternative dates. If no suitable alternative can be found, a full refund will be provided.

 

Refunds

 

1. Refunds for cancellations made with more than 48 hours' notice will be processed within 5-7 working days, less the £20 administration fee.

2. No refunds will be given for cancellations made with less than 48 hours' notice, except in proven medical emergencies as outlined above.

 

Late Arrivals

 

1. If you arrive late for your appointment, the session will still end at the scheduled time to avoid impacting other clients.

2. No refunds or discounts will be provided for shortened sessions due to late arrival.

 

I appreciate your understanding and cooperation with this policy. It helps me maintain a high-quality, reliable service for all clients. If you have any questions or concerns about this policy, please don't hesitate to contact me.

​

 

​

Complaints Procedure Policy

 

Last updated: 2nd November 2024

​

Complains Procedure Policy: Miranda Sykes Ltd., trading as Midwife Miranda.

 

I am committed to providing the highest quality of care to all clients. However, I recognise that there may be occasions when you feel your expectations have not been met. If you have any complaint or concern about the service you have received, you are entitled to ask for an explanation and to have your concerns addressed.

 

This procedure outlines how to make a complaint and how it will be handled. Please note that this procedure does not deal with matters of legal liability or compensation.

 

How to Make a Complaint

 

1. Initial concerns can be raised directly during consultations or by phone.

2. If your concern is not resolved through discussion, please submit your complaint in writing to me via email at miranda@miranda-sykes.com.

3. Please make your complaint as soon as possible after the incident that has caused you concern.

4. Your complaint will be treated in strict confidence and will not affect the level of care you receive.

5. If you prefer, a family member, friend, or advocate may make the complaint on your behalf. However, I cannot provide any medical information to a third party without your written consent.

 

What Happens Next

 

1. Your complaint will be acknowledged within two working days of receipt.

2. If I am unavailable to respond immediately, you will be informed via an out-of-office message, and your complaint will be addressed as soon as possible.

3. I aim to provide a full response within 21 working days.

4. During this time, an investigation will be conducted to understand what happened and determine if any action can be taken to rectify the situation.

 

How Your Complaint Will Be Handled

 

I will:

1. Listen to your complaint or concern attentively

2. Examine what happened and what went wrong

3. Offer you the opportunity to discuss the problem face-to-face if you wish

4. Keep you informed of progress if further action is needed

5. Identify measures to prevent the problem from recurring

6. Seek an external review if necessary

7. Ensure you receive an apology if there has been a failure in service

8. Respond by establishing a clear, appropriate plan of action, and provide you with relevant support and advice

9. Use the experience to improve services where possible

 

Professional Body Guidance

 

This complaints procedure adheres to the guidelines set by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE). I will seek advice from my professional indemnity insurance provider and professional bodies (NMC and IBLCE) as needed when handling complaints.

 

Further Action

 

If your complaint cannot be resolved directly with me, you have the following options:

 

1. For concerns related to midwifery practice, you can contact the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC): https://www.nmc.org.uk/concerns-nurses-midwives/

2. For concerns related to lactation consultant practice, you can contact the International Board of Lactation Consultant Examiners (IBLCE): https://ibclc-commission.org/ibclc-information/code-of-professional-conduct-complaint-form/

3. You can also seek independent mediation through the Centre for Effective Dispute Resolution (CEDR): https://www.cedr.com/

 

Your feedback is valuable and helps me maintain and enhance the high standards of care I strive to provide. I appreciate you taking the time to share your concerns, as this enables me to continuously improve and deliver the best possible service to all my clients.