Independent Midwife

[Annie105]

Hi all its probably been done to death on old threads! But has anyone used an independent midwife but also whilst planning a hospital birth? I'm aiming to have a c section and I have met with a couple of independent midwives who are supportive of my birth choice. The NHS is stretched and my community midwife seems really busy and I was shocked at the very low number of appts I would have.

As I am so anxious anyway I was hoping additional antenatal support and appointments at home, on the end of a phone or email if I need them would be a benefit. As well as more one to one support post birth for myself and the baby. Of course all this costs money but is it money well spent to feel you are getting more concentrated attention and support to supplement what the NHS midwives would like to do but struggle to due to caseloads?

Any feedback welcome, even if you had an independent midwife and a totally different reason or birth!

Thank you

[waitingforgodot]

What about a doula?They would be there to help you through your anxiety

[Annie105]

Hi waiting I compared the two having also contacted a couple of doulas, but I felt from the feedback the doulas gave me it wasn't for me. The post natal element is important and this is where a midwife can assist further ie wound care, blood spots, various other medical checks. Both doulas also said they hadn't supported ELCS just EMCS so it was clear it wasn't in their comfort zone x

[waitingforgodot]

Ah right. Hopefully someone else will be able to recommend x

[Pooks123]

Neighbourhood Midwives are pretty flexible with whatever care you need. Extra one to one support and access 24/7 can be really helpful.

[Phineyj]

I had one and found it a good service - there seems to be very little individual case management in the NHS so if you want specific detailed support, it's definitely worth considering if you can find someone you gel with.

[Phineyj]

I meant to add that she greatly allayed DH's and my mum's anxieties too (I planned a homebirths but had an ELCS - she came into hospital with me and stayed until I'd had it all done and was in recovery). If you have the money, I shall quote what DH said: "this is the part to economise on"!

[Phineyj]

A EMCS I mean, not ELCS. Darn acronyms.

[JasperDamerel]

I had a home birth with an independent midwife for DC2 but I would totally recommend them for antenatal and postnatal care with a hospital birth. The care I received was amazing, and I really wished they'd been around for DC1. I saved up for a year before getting pregnant, but they were worth every penny.

[Annie105]

Ladies thanks for the advice I'm now completely convinced this is a good idea. It's a shame we have to pay for this kind of care but the NHS is just so overwhelmed here in London. Neighbourhood was actually one of the two I contacted!
Thanks again always interesting to hear people's perspectives and stories

[JasperDamerel]

DP is the most frugal person I know, and he admitted they were really good value for money.

[Annie105]

Lol!! I should show your message to my husband!