What Is an Independent Midwife? Private Midwife in Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire.
- Olivia
- Jul 29
- 5 min read
Finding out you are expecting a baby is an exciting time, but it can also bring lots of questions about the care you will receive throughout your pregnancy, birth and after your baby is born.
While most people are familiar with NHS maternity services, many are surprised to learn that they also have the option of choosing an independent midwife.
If you have been wondering what an independent midwife is, how independent midwifery works, or whether it could be the right choice for your family, this guide will explain everything you need to know.
What is an Independent Midwife?
An independent midwife is a fully qualified, registered midwife who works independently rather than being employed by an NHS Trust.
Independent midwives are regulated by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC) and provide evidence-based maternity care in exactly the same way as NHS midwives. The difference lies in how that care is delivered.
Independent midwives care for a smaller number of families, allowing them to provide truly personalised maternity care, continuity of care and longer appointments tailored to each family’s individual needs.
Rather than seeing different healthcare professionals throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal period, you will have one familiar midwife who gets to know you, understands your wishes and supports you every step of the way.
What does an Independent Midwife do?
An independent midwife can provide comprehensive maternity care throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period.
Depending on the package of care you choose, this may include:
Antenatal care
Birth planning
Home antenatal appointments
Routine pregnancy health checks
Labour and birth support
Home birth care
Hospital birth support
Water birth support
Feeding support
Postnatal care
Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE)
Newborn Blood Spot Screening
Baby and Paediatric First Aid education
Every family is different, which is why independent midwifery care is tailored to your individual circumstances, preferences and needs.
What happens at an antenatal appointment?
One of the biggest differences families notice is the amount of time available during independent midwifery appointments. Rather than being limited to a short appointment, our time together is guided by what you need on the day.
During your antenatal appointments I may:
Check your blood pressure
Test your urine
Measure your baby’s growth
Listen to your baby’s heartbeat
Discuss your baby’s movements
Complete maternity paperwork, including your MATB1 certificate
Explore your birth preferences
Prepare you for labour and birth
Discuss infant feeding
Talk about newborn care
Answer any questions you may have
Appointments take place in the comfort of your own home, allowing you to relax in familiar surroundings and involve your partner or family if you wish.
What happens during labour and birth?
Whether you are planning a home birth or hospital birth, one of the greatest benefits of choosing an independent midwife is continuity of care. When labour begins, I will be there to support you throughout. If you are planning a home birth, I will provide your care in the comfort of your own home. If you are planning a hospital birth, I will remain by your side, working alongside the hospital team while providing continuous support, reassurance and advocacy.
Having one familiar midwife throughout labour means you don’t need to explain your preferences to different people, allowing you to focus on welcoming your baby into the world.
What happens after my baby is born?
Postnatal care is about so much more than simply checking that you and your baby are well. As your independent midwife, I will continue supporting your family as you adjust to life with your newborn.
Your postnatal appointments may include:
Maternal health and wellbeing checks
Newborn wellbeing assessments
Feeding support
Weight monitoring
Checking your baby’s cord is healing well
Assessment of stitches or wounds
Emotional wellbeing support
Practical baby care advice
Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE)
Newborn Blood Spot Screening
Every appointment is tailored to your family’s needs.
Can I still have NHS maternity care?
Yes.
Many families choose to combine NHS maternity care with independent midwifery. Some choose an independent midwife alongside their routine NHS appointments, while others choose their independent midwife to provide routine antenatal and postnatal care, continuing to access NHS services where appropriate.
The right approach depends on your individual circumstances and the package of care you choose.
Are Independent Midwives regulated?
Yes.
Independent midwives are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC), just like NHS midwives. This means they must meet the same professional standards, undertake continuing professional development and practise in accordance with the NMC Code.
What are the benefits of choosing an Independent Midwife?
Families choose independent midwifery for many reasons.
Some of the most common include:
Continuity of care
One familiar midwife throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond.
Longer appointments
Time to ask questions without feeling rushed.
Home appointments
Care delivered in the comfort of your own home.
Personalised maternity care
Appointments tailored to your individual needs and preferences.
Continuous birth support
Someone who knows you and your birth wishes by your side throughout labour.
Comprehensive postnatal care
Support that continues long after your baby has arrived.
Is an Independent Midwife right for me?
Independent midwifery isn’t about replacing NHS maternity care. It’s about providing families with choice. If you are looking for continuity of care, personalised support and a trusted relationship with one midwife throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal journey, independent midwifery may be the perfect option.
Independent Midwifery in Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire.
I am Olivia Clare, an independent midwife providing personalised maternity care across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex and Hertfordshire.
I support families throughout pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period, offering continuity of care, home antenatal appointments, birth support, postnatal care, Newborn Infant Physical Examinations (NIPE), Newborn Blood Spot Screening and Baby & Paediatric First Aid education.
Every family deserves care that feels personal.
Every family deserves to know the midwife supporting them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an independent midwife the same as a private midwife?
Yes. The terms “independent midwife” and “private midwife” are often used interchangeably. Both describe a qualified midwife who provides personalised maternity care outside of NHS employment.
Can I have an independent midwife and NHS care?
Yes. Many families choose to combine independent midwifery with NHS maternity care. The exact arrangement depends on your preferences and the package of care you choose.
Can an independent midwife attend a hospital birth?
Absolutely. Independent midwives can support both home births and hospital births, remaining with you throughout labour to provide continuous support.
Can an independent midwife provide home birth care?
Yes. Independent midwives are experienced in supporting planned home births while also providing personalised antenatal and postnatal care.
Can an independent midwife complete my MATB1 certificate?
Yes. Your MATB1 certificate can be completed during your antenatal care when appropriate.
Can an independent midwife perform a NIPE?
Yes. As a qualified NIPE practitioner, I can carry out your baby’s Newborn Infant Physical Examination in the comfort of your own home.
Do independent midwives provide postnatal care?
Yes. Independent midwives provide personalised postnatal care for both you and your baby, including health and wellbeing checks, feeding support and newborn care.
How much does an independent midwife cost?
The cost varies depending on the level of care you choose. Some families opt for birth support only, while others choose comprehensive care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. Bespoke packages can also be created to suit your individual needs.
Looking for an Independent Midwife?
If you are looking for an independent midwife in Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Essex or Hertfordshire and would like to learn more about personalised maternity care, I would love to hear from you.
Whether you are considering home birth, hospital birth, additional postnatal support or simply want to explore your options, please get in touch to arrange a free, no-obligation consultation.
