Anyone had a private postnatal midwife?

[tanteclaire]

I was wondering if anyone had had a private postnatal midwife. I have not had great experiences with the usual local system in the past (expecting you to wait in all day, somewhat cursory manner etc - I am sure simply because they are overstretched). So I wondered if anyone had arranged a private MW just for postnatal care. In the past I found the hospital will discharge you into the care of your local midwives - would lining up your own care exempt you and the baby from this?

I've had an IM who did post-natal care. The difference was:

1. frequency and amount of visits. Daily for first 4-7 days, then very gradually tailing off until discharge at 6 weeks.
2. Timing of visits: not "Monday" - but "Monday at 10am if that's convenient and I'll call you if I'm running late"
3. Time spent on a visit - we're talking an hour visit minimum, time for a cuppa, a good look at you and the baby, birth rehash if needed, bf advice if needed

Most Independent mws will offer a postnatal package, usually meeting you before the birth. They have the time to do lots of feeding and babycare support which is lovely. If they are registered mws then they can completely take over from NHS mws. We have some in our area and we just discharge women directly to their care when they leave hospital.

Thanks so much, these are really helpful responses - sounds really promising so I will definitely look into what's available in my area and the cost. Much appreciated.

We've decided we will definitely go for private postnatal care if we have another child so this thread has been interesting to read! Last time was a bit farcical with mws not turning up or being given the wrong information. The last visit left me really upset because of the mws horrible attitude towards me and if I hadn't been so all over the place I would have made a complaint, its so not what you need when you've just given birth!

Thanks again - it is very tempting. I was unwell postnatally last time and they didn't call back or keep to appointments so I would be keen to avoid this (I have also moved and my GP surgery is sadly far less reliable than where I lived before).
Apparently in some areas CMWs don't visit any more and you have to go to a clinic - that would be tough as a first time mum if the clinic isn't close by, no decent parking etc.

PS good luck with DC2 QT.