Sharing is caring!
I worked as an NHS midwife in hospital and in the community for many years. I gave birth at home when a private midwife was present and also worked in the hospital when women were transferred to us through a private midwife. Here are my thoughts on private midwives, if you are considering hiring a private midwife there are many factors to consider.
When it comes to pregnancy and birth, having the personalized care and support of a personal midwife can make all the difference. Unlike the NHS, where resources are often stretched thin, they can provide a truly customized private antenatal care package based on your unique needs.
From the moment you hire a private midwife, you will benefit from their undivided attention and expertise. They will work closely with you throughout your pregnancy to provide consistent one-on-one guidance and build a trusting relationship. This continuity of care is unparalleled in the public system. You may be lucky enough to get the same midwife for all your prenatal care, but the reality is that many of them work part-time and may be sick, on vacation or on maternity leave themselves. Then when you go into labor, you’ll have a different midwife.
A private midwife-led approach means you will receive pregnancy support that is completely built around you. Your appointment will never feel rushed, and you’ll have plenty of time to ask questions, express concerns, and determine your birth preferences. You can call them during your appointment or schedule them at home or while you’re at work. This kind of personalized care is invaluable, especially for first-time mothers during the exciting but daunting journey of pregnancy.
Choosing a private midwife is an investment, but the peace of mind and personal attention you will receive is truly priceless.
Let’s look at some of the advantages of private midwife care:
- Reduce stress and anxiety during pregnancy and childbirth
- Continuous care from conception to postpartum
- Empowerment and informed decision-making
- Extended support after birth
- Reduce risk of postpartum depression
- Holistic approach to care
How to choose the right private midwife
Once you’ve decided to choose a private midwife for your pregnancy and birth, the next thing to do is make a list of questions and preferences. You may be surprised to find that depending on where you live, you will have a variety of options to choose from. One lump sum payment. When you are interviewing a midwife, it may be helpful to ask some of the following questions.
1. What are your qualifications and experience? Ask about their training, certifications, and number of births they have attended.
2. What are your thoughts on pregnancy and childbirth? Learn about their approach to care and whether it matches your preferences.
3. Can you provide references from previous clients? Talking to other families can give you a sense of your midwife’s bedside manner and quality of care.
4. What is your free time and on-duty schedule like? Make sure the midwife can meet 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, delivery and postpartum services do you offer? Learn about the full range of care they offer.
7. What is your fee structure and what does it include? Get a clear breakdown of all costs up front.
Remember, one of the most important things is to spend time with them. You will end up spending a lot of time together and trust is so important. You’re not going to get along with everyone, and personalities don’t always mesh, so choose someone you can trust and feel a connection with. When I was a midwife, some women became almost close friends and the final goodbyes were sad, while for others it was purely clinical. The care they received was the same, but the ones I had a good relationship with felt like they got a better experience than I imagined.
I hope this article helps you find the right personal midwife for you.
Revealed: Collaborative Post
Thanks for reading – if you like this content, please consider buying me a coffee here or browsing my Amazon Wishlist, I really appreciate your support, it helps keep the site running and my time 🙂
