I have spent many years as an NHS midwife, both in the hospital setting and in the community. I have attended home births when private doulas are in attendance, and I have also been working in the hospital when birthing women have been transferred in to us via a private midwife. Here are my thoughts on private midwives, if you are thinking of hiring a private midwife, there is a lot to consider.
When it comes to pregnancy and childbirth, having the personalised care and support of a private midwife can make all the difference. Unlike the often stretched resources of the NHS, they can offer a truly bespoke private antenatal care package tailored to your unique needs.
From the moment you engage a private midwife, you’ll benefit from their undivided attention and expertise. They’ll work closely with you throughout your pregnancy, providing consistent one-on-one guidance and building a relationship of trust. This continuity of care is simply unmatched in the public system. You could be lucky and get the same midwife for all your antenatal care, but the reality is a lot of them work part-time and could have an illness, holiday or maternity leave themselves. Then you would have a different pot luck midwife when you are in labour.
A private midwife-led approach means you’ll receive pregnancy support that revolves entirely around you. Your appointments will never feel rushed, and you’ll have ample time to ask questions, voice concerns, and work through your birth preferences. You can call them between appointments and have them at home or around your work commitments. This personalised level of care can be invaluable, especially for first-time mums navigating the exciting but daunting journey of pregnancy.
Choosing a private midwife is an investment, but the peace of mind and individualised attention you’ll receive are truly priceless.
Let’s look at some of the advantages of private midwifery care:
Reduced Stress and Anxiety Throughout Pregnancy and Birth
Continuity of Care from Conception to Postpartum
Empowered and Informed Decision-Making
Extended support after birth
Reduced risk of postpartum depression
Holistic approach to care
How to choose the right private midwife
Once you have decided that you are going to choose a private midwife for your pregnancy and birth, the next thing to do is draw up a list of questions and preferences. You may be surprised to learn that you will have several options to choose from, depending on the area you live in. Budget wise, they will most likely all be fairly similar, and you can usually opt for payment terms such as paying monthly rather than a lump sum. Here are some questions you might find helpful to ask when you are interviewing midwives.
1. What are your qualifications and experience? Ask about their training, certifications, and the number of births they have attended.
2. What is your philosophy on pregnancy and childbirth? Understand their approach to care and whether it aligns with your preferences.
3. Can you provide references from previous clients? Speaking to other families can give you valuable insights into the midwife’s bedside manner and quality of care.
4. What is your availability and on-call schedule? Ensure the midwife can accommodate your due date and be present for the birth.
5. How do you handle complications or emergencies? Discuss their protocols and relationships with local hospitals.
6. What prenatal, birth, and postpartum services do you offer? Understand the full scope of care they provide.
7. What is your fee structure, and what is included? Get a clear breakdown of all costs upfront.
Remember, one of the most important things is getting on with them as a person. You will end up spending a lot of time with each other and trust is so important. You can’t get on with everyone, and personalities don’t always gel, so pick someone who you can trust and feel you will form a bond with. When I was a midwife, some women became close friends almost, and it was sad to say goodbye at the end of it, whereas for others it was purely clinical. The care they got was the same, but those that bonded well with me would have felt that they got a better experience I imagine.
Hopefully, this article helps you in your quest to find the right private midwife for you.
Disclosure: collaborative post
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