Independent midwives are fully qualified midwives who have chosen to work outside the NHS, in order to be able to use their midwifery skills to their full extent. However, they will liaise with other NHS professionals when it is necessary.
Independent midwives provide care antenatally, during labour and the birth, and postnatally. Because they only look after small numbers of women, they can provide a continuity of care which is not always available on the NHS.
Many women who hire independent midwives are planning a home birth, although some are planning a hospital birth, or to give birth in a birth centre. Women who may otherwise be unlikely to have a birth without medical interventions may benefit from hiring independent midwives. For example, independent midwives are experienced in helping women to give birth to breech babies, or to twins, or if a woman has had a previous Caesarean section. Some women with uncomplicated pregnancies may choose independent midwifery care because of the confidence and support it gives them.
Some independent midwives practise alone, and others group together to form independent midwifery practices. Some of these practices also run birth centres in which women can give birth.
Independent midwives are not usually provided on the NHS, and therefore you will have to pay to hire one. The charge will depend on the area you live in, and the services which they provide. The fees may range from £1,500 to £4,000. Some will allow you to pay in instalments. Occasionally it is possible for your GP to refer you to independent midwives, and to use the GP's practice funds to pay for your care.
If you feel that you will not be able to have the sort of birth you wish for, or you feel unsupported by your healthcare providers then you may believe that it is worth paying to have this type of maternity care for you and your baby. However, if you feel that you will be able to achieve the type of birth that you want supported by NHS professionals, then you may not feel the need to employ independent midwives.
To find out more about independent midwives in your local area, visit the Independent Midwives Association website. Many independent midwives will give a free consultation before you book with them, to help you decide if this is the right option for you.
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