Do you wonder whether you have any real choices regarding where you have your baby and who provides midwifery care for you in pregnancy? Are you concerned about the lack of continuity of care in the NHS, or has a previously bad NHS experience left you feeling anxious about this pregnancy? …

If the answer’s yes to any of these questions, then read on, an independent midwife could be the answer to your prayers!

Independent midwives are fully qualified midwives who, in order to practice the midwife's role to its fullest extent, have chosen to work outside the NHS in a self employed capacity, although we support its aims and ideals.

Unfortunately NHS midwives are constrained by time, protocols, staff shortages, busy wards, and have to care for multiple clients at the same time, so are often unable to provide the support and care needed to make you feel safe, cared for, or even noticed!

However, an independent midwife is there solely for you and takes on a very limited amount of clients so that she is able to dedicate herself to you throughout your pregnancy, labour and postnatally.

Because she has decided to practice independently she is not bound by NHS time constraints, does not have to look after multiple women at the same time on a busy and stressful ward, and is not tied to protocols which take control from you when you need it most. Quite the opposite in fact, she is there to empower you, help you make informed choices and to make the whole experience one that makes you feel special, safe and cared for.

We are on call for you 24 hours a day 7 days a week should you need reassurance, advice or go into labour. We will be a constant support to you and be able to provide up-to-date research based information during this important time in your life.

After you have had your baby we are on hand to support you feeding your baby however you choose to do this. We are experienced in all aspects of infant feeding, especially breast feeding.

We will visit you in your own home for as long as you need, at a time which is convenient to you, so there is no waiting around for hours at GP’s surgery’s or hospital to see the midwife, just to find yourself being rushed through your antenatal check in 10 minutes!

Midwifery is the most securely regulated profession in the UK. All practising midwives must adhere to the Midwives' Rules which are enshrined in the 1902 Midwives Act of Parliament and subsequent amendments. All independent midwives are subject to yearly supervisory visits and equipment checks and must notify their NHS appointed Supervisor of Midwives of their "Intention to Practise" each April. In line with the requirements of our regulatory body, the NMC, we are required to ensure that our clinical practice is up to date.

If you choose to engage the services of an independent midwife, we can arrange all screenings and diagnostic tests such as scans and blood tests either through the NHS or privately.

Should the desired place of birth or type of care need to change at any time, we can assist our clients in achieving this as smoothly and gently as possible. We can accompany our clients into all hospitals, our roles depending on local arrangements and our client’s needs.

Women who have hired independent midwives often comment that it gave them great confidence to know that their midwife was committed to helping them give birth the way they wanted to. They say it is invaluable to have the comfort and security of seeing one midwife, knowing they are getting the best one to one care and attention.

Whether you dream of a natural homebirth, waterbirth or would prefer to deliver in hospital but want to ensure you have continuity of care from someone you know and trust, an independent midwife is the way to ensure you get total care from beginning to end.