What to expect from a private midwife

What services do private midwives offer

A private midwife is a fully qualified healthcare professional who has chosen to work outside the NHS. Services can vary but often include antenatal appointments, birth preparation, birth support, continuity of care, home visits, postnatal checks, and feeding support.

When looking for a private midwife to support your birth, it is important to understand appointment frequency, contact between visits, on-call arrangements, tests or referrals, and what happens if your needs change.

• Antenatal and postnatal appointment schedule
• Birth attendance or on-call terms
• Tests, prescriptions, and referrals
• Emergency and change of care arrangements

How private and NHS care can work together

Private care does not remove your access to NHS maternity services. Ask how the midwife communicates with your NHS team, keeps records, and handles referrals or transfer of care.

Clear coordination is especially important when a test result, symptom, or change in pregnancy means another clinician or hospital team needs to be involved.

Questions to ask before booking

For peace of mind, confirm that they are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and have the appropriate indemnity insurance in place. Ask about their experience with your planned place of birth and any specific medical needs you may have.

We would recommend comparing everything that is included, rather than only the overall price. Travel, laboratory work, extra appointments, cancellation, and on-call availability can change the overall cost.

• What is included and excluded?
• Who covers if they are sick or cannot attend your birth?
• How will they coordinate with NHS care?
• If hoping for a home birth, what happens if hospital care is advised?