Has anyone used a private midwife?

[Roberts551]

Hi everyone,

I’m pregnant with my second child and considering hiring a private midwife.

I will have a c section so ideally plan to hire one to discuss before and then for postnatal care. I’m aware hospitals don’t allow private midwives as anything other than birth partners and only really need it for aftercare, has anyone done this?

I had an extremely negative experience with midwives at my first birth although the birth itself was fine, I’m very nervous about being in contact with them so thought if I had one I knew beforehand it would ease this, as well as being helpful for recovery. Last time multiple midwives were very upsetting and also caused health issues for my daughter so I’m v nervous going back to the hospital.

any experience would be great.

Surely this wouldn’t replace the midwives you see after birth as they will be for the baby and not for you?
I think if you do it you need to be really clearly on what your expectations are and what the service actually covers.

I have hired a doula for my second birth because my first birth I didn't feel looked after. She's been great so far but I guess I'll only know for sure after the birth (due end of the month)

I did this. It was great. My private midwife did all my antenatal appts and I negotiated just 2 weeks postnatal, but could have had longer. She was to be my birth partner in hospital and could be my advocate and give advice and support during the birth. It was worth every penny and I would recommend the experience.

Hi, I am currently 37 weeks and we have a private midwife. This is my first baby and we will be giving birth jn hospital where she will be there to support and be our advocate.

My NHS midwife experience has been a bit up and down, and we were aware that there are significant staff shortages at our hospital, so for peace of mind we engaged ours at 34 weeks. She has been fantasticwith weekly antenatal appointments and regular contact throughout the week. If I did it again I would have engaged her sooner regardless of my NHS experience. As it has been great having consistent care, 121 time to talk through everything.

We also booked post natal care initially for 1 week, but can be anything upto 4 weeks for both me and baby. 😊

What are you specifically wanting help with postnatally? I’m just wondering if you would be better off spending money on a mother’s help or lactation consultant? As far as birth goes, an independent midwife is absolutely fantastic and worth their weight in gold but not if they’re not allowed into your hospital.

I looked at this but my hospital were mega weird about allowing them in to the hospital and it was back end of covid so we used the £££ for meal delivery/cleaners,/night nanny instead. Which was money well spent

Just to add to this for anyone who may be reading.

My private midwife genuinely was such a blessing.

I was having a planned hospital birth she was due to be my advocate. In the run up she liased with the Community Midwife to obtain any leaflets and policies that inwasnt aware existed. She asked them key questions about likelihood of using birthplace...turned out it hadn't been open for months due to staff shortages so even though I'd advised it was my preference it was never going to happen and it was only because of the questions she asked we found that out.

When my birth got turned on its head and I needed an emergency C sec they advised she wouldn't be allowed into theatre. However through her beautiful personality she managed to get them to agree she could come into theatre.

I had a rough time in theatre in and out of consciousness due to blood loss and she stroked my hair and held my hand explaining everything that was happening. Filmed my baby being born and took photos for me while hubbi had baby. She helped me breast feed in hospital, made sure my compression socks were on...everything you could possibly think of.

Post natal she was a super star. Checked my c sec healing, advice on feeding check for tounge tie, weighed baby, identified he was losing weight due to more frequent initial weigh ins and called hospital consultant got me an emergency hospital visit to assess baby who needed formula top ups due to milk not coming in for me.

I ended up extending our past natal care for an additional week to have that additional support and advice.

1 million % would have her again if I had anymore children and recommend her to anyone in Kent or South please feel free to message me for any info.