Should I Consider Hiring a Private Midwife?
Did you know private midwifery is an option? Many people assume the only pathway for maternity care is through the NHS, but there’s an alternative — hiring a private or independent midwife. Whether this choice is right for you depends on how much you value personalised care during your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey, or how much a previous experience has influenced your desire for a different approach.
Let’s explore the most common questions to help you decide if private midwifery might be the right fit for you.
What is a Private Midwife?
A private midwife — also known as an independent midwife — is a fully qualified healthcare professional who chooses to work outside of the NHS. They are governed by the same professional body (the Nursing and Midwifery Council) and adhere to the same code of conduct as NHS midwives. The key difference lies in the level of individualised care they can provide.
What Services Do Private Midwives Offer?
Private and independent midwives offer a wide range of services to support you throughout your pregnancy, birth, and early parenting journey. These include:
Pre-conception support — preparing your body and mind for pregnancy.
Antenatal care — regular check-ups and monitoring tailored to your needs.
Birth preparation — personalised education about labour, pain management, and birth plans.
Parenting preparation — support in understanding newborn care, feeding, and sleeping.
Postnatal care — hands-on support in the early weeks with your baby, helping with feeding, recovery, and mental well-being.
Birth support — at home or in hospital, often advocating for birth choices that may not be a priority within NHS settings.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Private Midwife?
There are many advantages to private midwifery care, including:
Continuity of care — building a trusting relationship with a midwife who knows you and your preferences.
Flexible home-based appointments — longer sessions (often 1-2 hours) tailored to your schedule.
24/7 support — your midwife is often available outside traditional appointment times to answer urgent questions.
Evidence-based education — ensuring you're fully informed about your care options.
Empowerment in decision-making — putting you at the centre of your pregnancy and birth experience.
Better outcomes for mother and baby — research suggests continuity of care can lead to improved birth experiences and health outcomes.
Why Is Private Midwifery in High Demand?
With NHS maternity services under pressure due to staff shortages and funding constraints, more families are turning to private midwifery to secure personalised, high-quality care. Pregnancy is a powerful time, and many women want to feel in control, listened to, and empowered — something private midwives are well-placed to provide.
Can I Use Both NHS and Private Midwifery Care?
Absolutely! You don’t have to choose between NHS and private care — many families opt for a blended approach. This means you can continue to access NHS services (such as scans and hospital-based care) while benefiting from the additional support of a private midwife.
You are entitled to NHS care even if you hire a private midwife, and many independent midwives work collaboratively with local NHS trusts to ensure safe, joined-up care.
Why Are More Midwives Leaving the NHS?
Sadly, a growing number of midwives are choosing to leave the NHS due to the strain of working in an underfunded, understaffed system. Many feel unable to provide the level of individualised, woman-centred care they are passionate about. By moving into private practice, they can offer the time, attention, and personalised support that every family deserves.
Is Private Midwifery Right for You?
Deciding on your maternity care pathway is deeply personal. If you value continuity of care, flexible support, and a say in your birth experience, private midwifery could be an option worth exploring.
If you'd like to learn more about how private midwives can support your journey, feel free to reach out or explore the services available.
Would you like help tailoring your care plan or finding the right private midwife for you? Let’s start the conversation.
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