Independent midwives have more freedom to practise individual care compared to those working within the NHS, who may be restricted by guidelines and protocols. Independent midwives are still regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council. They are subject to the same supervision as NHS midwives, are required to keep up to date with their practice and are only allowed to act within their sphere of competence as midwives. Independent midwives form relationships of trust with pregnant women and their families, which help women to feel safe and supported when they go into labour.

Independent midwives have private insurance to cover their work for antenatal and postnatal appointments and for labour and birth work.

Yes you can receive NHS care combined with that of an independent midwife. The Department of Health has made it clear that women who choose to have their midwifery care provided by an independent midwife are not opting out of the NHS. You are fully entitled to all blood tests and scans that women under the full NHS care can have. Should you require any specialist input or emergency care the NHS will provide it. Independent midwives have the same referral right as NHS midwives and are able to arrange a consultant appointment or hospital admission if required.

Continuity of midwifery care contributes to improving the quality and safety of maternity care. High quality evidence indicates that women who receive care in these models are more likely to have effective care, a better experience and improved clinical outcomes.

Midwives benefit too. For a midwife, getting to know the woman, and developing a trusting relationship with her during her pregnancy, is the best way to help her have a safe, positive and empowering experience of pregnancy, birth and parenthood, whilst maintaining and strengthening clinical expertise across all areas of maternity care.

Midwives have a critical role to play ensuring that women are physically and psychologically well, so that they can develop a responsive and nurturing relationship with their children. 

Respecting a woman’s values and beliefs during their maternity experience, whilst supporting them to make safe choices in the context of mutually respectful, trusting relationship with the midwife is key to this.

A doula takes care of emotional and physical support. They are not there to replace your partner or your midwife. Your independent midwife will not only take care of your emotional and physical health but will also be responsible for the medical and clinical aspect of your pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.