How do you become an independent midwife?
How do you become an Independent Midwife?
Becoming an independent midwife can seem a daunting challenge but many midwives have taken the leap and few regret doing so. Once a midwife has completed an approved programme of education and is registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, (NMC) she/he may practice where ever she/he chooses to in accordance with NMC rules. In the UK that could be in the NHS, the private sector, with an agency or as an independent self employed midwife. If a midwife chooses to be self employed she is regulated by the NMC midwives rules and standards, and must adhere to the same statutory obligations as an employed midwife.
Becoming an Independent Midwife is the same, in many ways, as starting up any self employed business with the same worries, concerns and rewards. It may be a thriving business or fail to bring in customers. There may be rocky and smooth times ahead. It may be hard work at times or plain sailing. As with every business initially it can be about personal attitude, hard work, luck and the support of others.
An independent midwife may choose to be part of Independent Midwives UK, but there is no obligation to do so. Independent Midwives UK is not a regulatory body, it is a support and advice organisation for women seeking an independent midwife and for members. If a midwife wants to join Independent Midwives UK she is required to attend one of the workshops that are run regularly throughout the year.
Most Independent midwives would advise a midwife who is about thinking about a move into independent practice to talk to others who have done so in order to get some ideas and advise. If a midwife has been employed throughout her career she may have misconceptions around how she may need to work as an independent midwife and the reality could help her decide the correct career path for her.
Some midwives do both and are employed or work for an agency and also carry a self employed case load. As independent midwives we promote individualised care for women as well as an individualised way of working for midwives.
Read how 3 midwives found the journey on the path to independent practice. Two were straight from education and qualification, one from the role of hospital midwife and one from community midwife.