To have an independent midwife?

[MrsMuffins]

We’re planning for another baby, and I’m considering booking an independent midwife. We live in an area with extremely high rates of interventions, and I desperately do not want a hospital birth. There are basically no home births in the area, so I’m concerned about either not being supported to have one, or planning one and then the midwives either making me go into hospital or being inexperienced in caring for women at home. So I’ve been looking into independent midwives, but at nearly £4K it’s a lot of money - does anyone have any experience of having one, is it worth it?

I’m very late to the party, but I wanted to add my experience.

I looked into various IM options- we’re in London so lots of choice. My IM was insured to deliver in the birthing centre of one of the local hospitals, as well as at home. I had to change hospital to the one where she was insured, but actually the new one was much more pleasant than the one I’d originally booked into. Everything was done at home except for scans, GD test, maybe some bloods? Can’t remember... and monitoring at the end of the pregnancy for reduced movements.

I was nervous about the birth (understatement...) but felt my midwife listened and understood me, and she really built up my confidence beforehand. She had very sadly lost her first child due to malpractice by the midwife she herself had at the time, so I felt reassured that she completely understood what is at stake and how important safety is (although it goes without saying that I wish I’d had to take that on trust). She also worked with another MW, to help with very long labours and a few of the ante/post-natal appointments too.

When I went into hospital, hoping to use the birthing centre, it because clear I had to go to Labour Ward instead - and I ended up with an emergency section. However, my MW was there throughout, advocating, helping me, reassuring me. The NHS staff were great and as far as I could see were welcoming to her and valued her input. She herself said that it can depend on the NHS MW on the day, some can get a bit shirty about having an IM there- but that’s not your problem, and once you’re in labour I doubt you’d notice or care! Money well spent, but do your research to make sure safety comes first! Ours was £6k for the full package and I will not hesistate to use her services next time. I’m actually planning to avoid an August baby specifically because she takes August off, as holiday 😂