Independent Midwifery

 What is a midwife? 

A midwife is an expert in normal, physiological childbirth and the lead care provider throughout pregnancy, birth, and the early days of parenthood. They work with the family to empower, educate, support and advocate. Midwives work closely with other professionals to address any complexities that may occur

Having a midwife you know and trust throughout this time7 (Continuity of Midwifery Carer)  is proven to increase satisfaction with the experience and lower the chance of unnecessary intervention and poor outcomes. 

What is an Independent Midwife? 

An Independent Midwife is a highly trained and experienced midwife who has chosen to work outside the NHS in a self-employed capacity. They must be registered to practice as a midwife with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and work within their Code of Conduct, provide evidence based care and be fully insured to do so. 

Independent Midwives work collaboratively with their NHS colleagues and all women are entitled to access any aspect of standard NHS maternity care alongside private care. 

Why choose an Independent Midwife? 

An Independent Midwife will provide true Continuity of Carer – proven to improve outcomes, reduce the chance of intervention, and to increase satisfaction with the experience. The family will receive all their care from a known and trusted midwife who has time and opportunity to tailor their service to the individual. 

·  More time for appointments, time for discussion, learning and preparing for birth.

·  Supported decision making and empowerment.

·  Information sharing about options, risks, benefits and alternatives.

·  Flexibility for appointments where and when suits you best.

·  More appointments when you need them – particularly after your baby is born.

Is it safe?

Yes! Independent Midwives are regulated and monitored by the same standards as NHS midwives. IMs are often more experienced in supporting birth choices outside of standard NHS guidelines. 

Why do I have to pay for this? 

Most NHS maternity services are not able to provide this level of care, despite the evidence of the benefits. 

Independent Midwives are self-employed and have to cover the costs of everything from petrol to equipment, through updates, training and professional registration, to insurance and printing, and everything else in between. 

Use of a Mia Via birth pool. Single use consumables kit.

Use of Elle Tens.

Personalised aromatherapy throughout pregnancy and birth.

Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE)

Each antenatal appointment is a holistic assessment of mother and baby with a known midwife, at a time and in a place convenient to you, with unhurried time for information sharing, discussion, listening, and personalised care planning.

My full antenatal care plan includes 10-12 individual appointments, at approximately the following times, depending on your own particular requirements. All appointments take place in your home and are unhurried, with plenty of time for discussion. 

Full Booking at around 12 weeks. This appointment includes a full medical history taking, discussion around your preferences and planning your pregnancy journey.

4 weekly visits up to 28 weeks. Each appointment includes information sharing and is tailored to your needs. Your family is welcome to be present if you wish. 

3 weekly visits at 31 and 34 weeks. 

2 weekly visits up to 38 weeks. Birth planning will take place across a number of visits and I will provide evidence based information for you to make informed decisions throughout.

Weekly visits from 38 weeks up to birth. 

You will have a full set of personalised maternity notes that you get to keep.

You are entitled to access any part of NHS maternity care including routine screening, blood tests and scans and I can organise these for you. If you prefer a private arrangement I can signpost you to local providers

A safe and satisfying birth, in a place of your choice, with a known midwife, is proven to give lifelong benefits to mothers and babies.

Choosing the best place for you to birth your baby is of vital importance to your birth experience and is an individual decision based on your own values, experiences, wishes and needs.
I am happy to work with you throughout your pregnancy to create a birthing plan that is your safest choice.
I am registered with Zest Midwifery and fully insured to attend births at home. If you choose to birth in hospital, or are transferred for any reason I would stay with you throughout.

I will be on-call for you 24/7 from 37 weeks of pregnancy.

Having your baby at home, where you are calm and comfortable and in control is often quicker, easier and more satisfying. 

A second midwife, who we would ensure you have met during pregnancy, also attends home births. 

All equipment and consumables are provided including Nitronox (gas & air) should you choose to use this. 

I have Mia Via birth pools and Elle Tens units for client’s use.

If you chose to birth within a hospital I am able to support you throughout as a companion, continuing to advocate for you. If you transfer from home to hospital I will accompany you.

Postnatal care is provided for you and your needs, at home, and involves full assessment of mother and baby’s health and well-being at each visit, including newborn examination (NIPE) feeding support and newborn screening.

My postnatal care includes approximately 10 visits across 4-6 weeks post birth. I provide support with your choice of feeding and full assessment of mother and baby’s health and well-being at each check:

First day visit including NIPE if required.
Daily visits until day 5 with Newborn Bloodspot Screening if required.
Further visits will be arranged to suit you and your needs, usually at around day 7, 10, 14, 21, 28.

I will liaise with other health professionals, your GP, Health Visitor, and routine screening as required. 

Choosing an Independent Midwife is an investment to ensure a positive birth experience .

I offer single appointments to suit your needs.  Antenatal checks in your home, birth planning, reassurance, and individualised care.

Depending on your own particular needs, a single postnatal appointment can provide feeding support, the Newborn Examination or Newborn Blood Spot Screening, or simply reassurance in between standard NHS provision. 

Each postnatal check will include a full check of mother and baby’s health and well-being.

I am qualified to perform the full Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) which takes place within 72 hours of birth.  

If you have chosen to birth without midwifery assistance I can offer early postnatal support, including Birth Notification, routine checks for mum and baby, NIPE and Newborn Blood Spot Screening. Please get in touch to discuss your own needs