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What is an Independent Midwife?

Independent Midwives are fully qualified, registered midwives who have undergone the same level of midwifery education and training as their NHS colleagues. The difference is simply that we have chosen to provide care outside of the NHS, in order to provide women and their families with one-to-one, women-centred care.

Sadly, financial restrictions and a national shortage of midwives make this personalised care unfeasible within most areas of the NHS. Contrary to popular belief, a pregnant woman does not have to see a doctor antenatally, nor is a doctor required to be at the birth. Midwives are experts in providing care for women throughout their pregnancy, birth and as they adapt to parenthood. They are thus highly skilled at recognising any deviation from the normal and are able to refer appropriately should this be required.

Independent midwives have the ability to choose how many women they care for each year. Generally, we prefer to look after a maximum of two women per month, which means that we are able to give our full time and attention to the women we care for, this also enables us to be available to attend your birth.

The pregnancy and birth of a baby does not only affect the mother, the whole family is touched by this wonderful experience. Therefore, your antenatal visits are an opportunity for us to form a trusting relationship with you as a family, helping all of you in your transition to parenthood or when extending your family.

Midwifery is one of the most regulated professions in the UK, and this is the same whether we practice independently or within the NHS. All midwives, independent or NHS based, are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council, which is our governing body and are bound by The Midwives Rules and Standards, and The Code of Professional Conduct which ensures that we practice in a safe and professional manner. We must remain updated with current research based practice to stay registered.

Independent midwives charge a fee which reflects the professional and holistic service we provide. Currently, all independent midwives practice without professional indemnity insurance, as since 1994 this has not been available to us.

Save Independent Midwifery:
All Independent Midwives have been informed that the government is intending to make professional indemnity insurance (PII) a compulsory requirement for registration within 12-18 months. There is currently no PII available to independent midwives so they will no longer be able to practice legally. Independent midwives practice outside the NHS but within the regulatory framework of the Nursing and Midwifery Council and bound by it's 'Code of Professional Conduct' and 'Midwives Rules'. Independent midwives are specialists in normal birth caring mostly for women planning home birth. The care they give has been shown to have good outcomes for women including those who are usually classified as 'high risk', with more normal births, reduced caesarean section rates and increased breast feeding rates. The government must ensure that either professional indemnity insurance is available to all midwives however they choose to work or exempt independent midwives from the requirement for PII.
To sign the on-line petition to save women's choice click here