NHS v private

[eurochick]

If you were in the position of being able to chose, how did you decide which to opt for? We had fertility treatment to achieve this pregnancy and money set aside for more, which means that we could, if we wanted to, afford private care.

When I began ttc I always thought that I would opt for an independent midwife, but it has taken so long that the option has effectively been removed! So I think that leaves me with the option of NHS care (hopefully midwife-led, all being well) or private care, most of which seems to be consultant led (although I think the Portland does a midwife-led option). Are there options I don't know about?

Many thanks in advance for your thoughts.

The insurance problem with IMs is for birth only. Most are fully insured for antenatal & postnatal care. The government may give the cash to resolve the insurance issue at birth but it's still uncertain.

If it's not resolved then you can still use NHS for the birth either at home or in hospital but your IM can only really act as a doula for you. This may still suit some people just having a professional that they know well, looking after their interests during the birth. My IM had to take on that role in my first pregnancy as I was induced and having her there made a huge difference to me emotionally although I was extremely well looked after by the NHS. One thing you certainly get much more of if you go private is time - the number and length of antenatal & postnatal visits, often at your home is significantly higher than what the NHS can offer. Great if you want to talk over concerns particularly regarding birth /complications /concerns /breastfeeding /newborn anxieties esp as a first time mum.

The neighbourhood midwives can offer a fuller package as they have insurance for birth sorted - but they cost a bit more to cover the insurance bill. Hope it goes well whatever you do & congratulations!

Flickster thanks. I am actually in SE London, but when I booked in I was told King's was full so I was given the option of Lewisham (nice MLU but horrible wards, apparently) or Tommies. I was ok with that as a good friend of mine actually had pretty poor care at King's.

I've formally opted for Lewisham but we have met with someone from Neighbourhood Midwives and really like that option for all the reasons Ma gives, so we are going to go for that and see where we end up. I am quite nervous around drs so I think the continuity will be valuable, even if the midwife "just" ends up acting as a doula for an NHS birth.