Independent midwife questions

[Beesandbutterflies]

Hi ladies, I haven't posted in ages but I'm looking for some experiences/opinions now I'm expecting a longed for dc2. Early days, far too early to be freaking out about midwife care but it's bugging me so I'm researching now!

Dc1 was born at home with no pain relief after a short efficient labour, birth pool, no blood loss, placenta no problems, fantastic doula. Only problem was the NHS midwives were loud/shouty/rude/ignored birth plan/then did an examination without consent which still upsets me. I've had my booking appt and my cmw (same one as prev pregnancy) says things will be different this time. But I don't see how they can promise that.

So I'm seriously interested in using a IM. I know cost is about £4k, which is a lot of money but ultimately we can do it if I work some more shifts this summer and skip the holidays next year.

So I guess those who've done it, what do you think?

Thanks a million xxx

I didn't pay for an IM but I got one who had just joined our hospital home birth team.

She was the most amazing lady I've ever met. She got me through a tricky labour, we stayed at home, she was really remarkable. If I ever have another dc, we will hire her without blinking. She charges £3k in south west London.

Had IM for last of three births after NHS could not guarantee I would have to go hospital if they were short staffed when I went into labour and so did not have a community midwife available.
Brilliant experience.
And it is not just the birth care but the antenatal and post natal care that is better. All in your home at times to suit you. So my husband was at some of those appointments which had never happened before. And with two young DC at home it was bliss not having to drag them to clinics and surgeries.
Best money I ever spent.
There was nothing wrong with my NHS births but it was the certainty of who would turn up that made it for me. We still exchange Xmas cards and DC 3 is 7 !

The insurance issue was resolved last year. There was a time that it was extremely difficult for IMs to get insurance but now they can. My IM joined the nhs because she couldn't get insured but left again the minute the problem was resolved.