What is an Independent Midwife?
Independent Midwives are fully qualified midwives who have chosen to work outside the NHS in a self employed capacity. The legal role of a midwife encompasses the care of women and babies during pregnancy, birth and the early weeks of motherhood.
Traditionally one midwife gives care to a woman and her family throughout a pregnancy, giving them all chance to get to know one another. Having established a trusting relationship the same midwife would care for the woman as she birthed her baby and support the family afterwards.
Research has shown that many women still want this type of midwifery care and that it helps women to cope with the challenges of labour and the transition to parenthood.
This is the model of care that an Independent Midwife provides.
In recent time health advisors and government policy makers have promoted Independent Midwives style of care as the ‘Gold Standard’ to which the NHS should strive to establish. Independent midwives fully support the principals of the NHS and are currently working to ensure that all women can access ‘gold standard’ care in the future.
Independent Midwives support womens' choice. The care offered does not involve telling them what they can and cannot do. We share information with women and provide professional guidance to help them make informed decisions concerning what is best for themselves and their baby.
Independent Midwives are sometimes employed by women who are deemed "high risk" and have been refused home, or even natural births by the NHS. For example women who have had previous caesareans, have a pre-existing medical conditions, are carrying twins or a breech presenting baby. An Independent Midwife will discuss all options with women using the best possible evidence available.
Independent Midwives may also have undertaken extra training so that they can offer further or services to their clients such as newborn examinations, tongue tie division, homeopathy, Hypnobirthing, acupuncture and more.