Private midwife for Homebirth - did you? Pros/cons

[bigbadwritersblock]

Hi
I'm having my second birth in 10 weeks and had a horrible experience at UCLH hospital first time round... Going for a HB this time but wondered if I should get a private midwife as the midwives attached to my hospital now (QE) all seem very jaded during my apts and I really want a warm/encouraging approach (not feel like a burden as you are often made to feel in hospital) so I wanted to see if people had had good experiences with private midwives?

Thanks

I don't think they are allowed to practice any more. I'm sure someone will come along and correct me if I'm wrong....

A number are working as doulas as they cannot get insurance to work as midwives :(

They are still working - I've been in-touch with several in the last week. Amazing ladies! Google 'independent midwives' and you'll find their website with a search function to find them in your area. Good luck!

Ps: all the info about their insurance problem is detailed on the site - I've spoken to three this week and all said they are 'business as usual'. Their fees have increased to cover the new insurance premiums

I had a very good experience with Nyree at Sage Femme ( North London) - but I also assumed the insurance had stopped everything - hope its not the case. Good luck.

www.independentmidwives.org.uk/?node=13294
Hopefully this link works

here

This is a great practice. Quite a few mums on this board have hired Annie Francis and Tina Perridge - exceptional midwives. I had Tina for my second and third and would strongly recommend.

They have insurance!

Thanks for the info - did you use them alongside your nhs midwife? That's what I had intended to do - but not sure how it would work out

I haven't used one myself yet but am ttc #2 so have got things organised. I've been told that there's no need for the nhs midwife. The independent midwife does all of your care and arranges the tests (bloods/scans etc) on the nhs via your gp or local hospital - hope that helps