Has anyone used a private midwife service?

[Fagin99]

After what felt like an eternity of trying, I finally got my BFP today (first child)!

I know it's really early but I'm looking into midwives and wondered if anyone had any experience of using a private Midwife, and whether you would recommend it?

My husband and I don't have any family around and a very limited support structure, so I thought it might be nice to have a more deliberate helping hand, if you know what I mean.

Any advice much appreciated. X

I had independent midwives for my second and third births and it’s the best money I’ve ever spent. That was 17 years ago and things have got much worse in terms of midwife shortages so an even better investment. No hospital/GP visits - the same midwife every time who knows you and your needs. The same midwife delivered number 2 and 3. I really can’t recommend it enough. I’m a teacher so not rich and I paid in instalments.

Absolutely brilliant. Totally worth every penny.
Mine brought me a home cooked meal when I got out of hospital as part of their service.

Interesting... I didn't even know that this was an option.
What do they do that's different?
And how much does it cost?
Is it per visit or an overall payment for throughout the pregnancy?

I had independent midwives for no.2 after a horrific birth in hospital with no.1. Things weren't straightforward with DC2 but having midwives i knew who knew me and were focused on me made the world of difference. I was very traumatised after DC1's birth. My second experience was so healing and that was entirely due to the care I received from my midwives

You pay for ante, intra and post partum care as one package though installments are often possible.

I wasn't in the U.K. for the birth of my second and hired a private midwife who was offering doula services. And totally agree with the PPs. Worth every penny. It's great to get to know one person, who's there for the birth etc. I'd definitely recommend.

Very interesting, and wonderful to hear your positive experiences. You have definitely convinced me to look seriously into this option, thank you.

Did you choose one based on location, or did you get to meet them before deciding? I'm not quite sure what to look for!

Many can't offer intrapartum care due to insurance issues, but will depend on where you live and if they have an agreement with the hospital.

I’ve hired an independent midwife for antenatal care, birth (if that’s possible - not sure with Covid) and postnatally for 4 weeks. Since I’ll be giving birth in hospital she won’t be able to attend the birth as a midwife, she’ll be there as an advocate and support if the hospital allows a second birth partner at that point. Obviously it’s too early to know if it was worth it, but I feel greatly reassured knowing I’ll have the same person throughout, and will have so much support after the birth. I interviewed three people and went with the one who I felt I could build a relationship with and who I trusted the most.

Mine were homebirths but my midwives also had a relationship with the local hospital so if I’d had to transfer they could still have done the birth. My third was two weeks late and there was no pressure to induce as things were fine. Where are you OP if in London I can recommend.

I'm using Private Midwives. I'm planning on home water birth but there are a range of packages. I love my midwife appointments, best money I've spent.

Many thanks for the advice, it's great timing you've all had such good experiences. You're absolutely right that it's very reassuring to know you'll always see the same person.

I'm based in West Suffolk (was in London until recently!)

Also, at what point in your pregnancy did you employ a midwife? (For want of a better expression!)

Thanks again

*great to hear!

My care started at 20 weeks I think. I didn’t see a need to employ someone earlier than that really (but I’m low risk). I’m also keeping going with all my NHS appointments, and getting all my scans, blood tests etc done through the NHS. My private midwife is sharing notes with the NHS team. I hired her through Private Midwives .com.

I didn’t have private midwives but I know some, and they are lovely women. I was lucky enough to have the same sort of care with caseloading NHS midwives and it’s a huge privilege to have the same person delivering your children that you’ve seen throughout pregnancy, were there when your other children were born, and visit you at home with your tiny baby. So I would totally recommend it.

That sounds like a good service, similarly to OP I have no family nearby and just started looking for solutions for after the birth, had actually thought I might need to look at carers agencies but a private midwife or nurse might be a better suggestion especially for help and advice with the baby, breastfeeding etc.

Hope you find someone local OP.

I have had the same independent midwife for all 3 of my pregnancies (family friend) and it's the best money we've ever spent.

I did engage partially with NHS services but the standard of care just can't compete with the 1-1 extended appointments and post natal visits.

Thanks ever so much everyone. You've really reassured me that it will be money well spent.