The Roots of The Shire
Shi·re (shy-er) – a word that feels a little old-fashioned, a little whimsical, and just right for what we do.
Way back in the day, the midwives of Great Britain traveled through the shires, visiting families in their villages, bringing their wisdom, steady hands, and kind hearts to birth. A shire wasn’t just a place—it was a community, a little world where people looked out for each other. That’s exactly the kind of midwifery we believe in: one where birth happens in a space full of warmth, familiarity, and love.
And, of course, there’s Tolkien’s Shire—that dreamy, peaceful place filled with cozy homes, big gardens, and the kind of life where everything just feels... right. It was a place of safety, simple joys, and deep roots. Honestly, isn’t that what birth should be? A moment wrapped in peace, protected, and surrounded by people who truly care… And let’s be honest, if Hobbits had midwives, you know they’d be all about homebirth.
That’s the heart behind The Shire Midwifery. We’re all about community-based birth, where you’re not just another client—you’re part of something bigger. Your birth story matters, and we’re here to help make it one that feels just as warm and magical as a walk through the rolling green hills of the Shire.
It takes a village…start at The Shire.
“Even the smallest person can change the course of the future.”
— J.R.R. Tolkien
Why Choose Us?
At The Shire Midwifery, we believe birth should feel like home—safe, peaceful, and filled with love. Here’s why we’re the perfect fit for you:
You’re Not Just A Client: You’re a valued part of our village, our little community. Like a neighbor stopping by for a cup of tea, we take the time to know you, your needs, and your dreams, making sure your birth is as comforting as a walk through the meadow.
Your Birth, Your Way: Every birth is a unique and beautiful story, and we’re here to honor your choices. We believe you should feel free to follow your path, with no pressure—just support and wisdom when you need it most.
Warm, Experienced Care: Because we have spent decades in the birth world, we can offer the expertise and the heart to make sure your birth is as smooth and stress-free as possible.
A Safe, Peaceful Space: Whether you’re birthing at home or in our lovely birth room, we make sure you’re surrounded by calm and comfort, creating a space where everything just feels... right.
A Community That Cares: Birth isn’t just about the day—it’s about the people who surround you. From your first consultation to the big day and beyond, we’re here to cheer you on and celebrate your family’s journey.
The Midwifery Model of Care: A Shire-Inspired Approach
Birth, like the turning of the seasons, follows its own wise and steady path. The midwifery model honors this natural rhythm, creating a space of safety, trust, and gentle support. With fewer interventions, midwifery care leads to:
Lower cesarean rates – Trusting the body’s natural design.
Fewer inductions & augmentations – Letting birth unfold in its own time.
Minimal use of anesthesia – Drawing on movement, comfort, and inner strength.
Better infant outcomes – Lower mortality and preterm birth rates.
Smoother recoveries – Less risk of severe tearing for gentle healing.
Cost-effective care – Practical, simple, and without unnecessary expense.
Stronger breastfeeding bonds – Nurturing the connection between mother and babe.
Greater satisfaction – Birth as it should be—warm, familiar, and full of heart.
Midwifery care isn’t just about bringing babies into the world—it’s about doing so in a way that feels like home, rooted in wisdom, community, and the simple joys of new life.
Community Birth: A Journey Back to Simplicity and Peace
Whether you welcome your baby in the quiet comfort of your own home or in our warm, cozy freestanding birth center, community birth is a return to something beautifully simple and deeply known. It’s like coming home—to yourself, to your strength, to the way birth was meant to be: unrushed, supported, and full of wonder.
A Place of Comfort – Whether nestled into your own bed or resting in our hearth-like birth suite, you're surrounded by peace, warmth, and familiarity.
Natural and Unhurried – With fewer interventions, you have the freedom to follow the rhythms of your body, like a river flowing steady and sure.
A Peaceful, Quiet Setting – No harsh lights, no beeping machines—just soft voices, gentle hands, and the sacred hush of birth.
Your Birth, Your Choices – You hold the map. We walk beside you, offering wisdom, reassurance, and space to choose your path.
Nurturing Family Bonds – Gather your little one into your arms with no rush—just quiet hours, candlelight moments, and love that lingers.
Community birth is more than a location—it’s a way of being. A return to the stillness and strength that has always been within you, surrounded by care, by peace, and by the people who walk this journey with you.
Waterbirth: A Soft and Supportive Path
Waterbirth offers a gentle, supportive experience for both mother and baby. The soothing qualities of water provide comfort and relaxation throughout labor, promoting a peaceful and empowering birth. Here are some additional benefits:
Natural Pain Relief – Warm water helps ease discomfort and supports the body’s natural pain management.
Enhanced Relaxation – The buoyancy of the water helps relax muscles and reduce tension.
Encourages Deeper Breathing – The calming effect of water promotes steady breathing during contractions.
Gentler Crowning – Water can help slow down the birth process, reducing the risk of tearing.
Calmer Birth for Baby – Babies experience a smoother transition, with water mimicking the comfort of the womb.
Waterbirth creates a peaceful, natural environment where both mother and babe are supported through the process.
