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.

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.

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.

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, full postnatal checks for you and baby, NIPE. 

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