Question 1

What is a private midwife?

Accepted Answer

Private, or independent midwives, are fully insured midwives, legally registered with the same qualifications as our NHS colleagues, but we choose to work outside of the structure of the NHS. We are registered with the Nursing and Midwifery Council and legally obligated to declare our practice in the same ways as midwives who work in the NHS.

Question 2

Why should I choose a private midwifery care?

Accepted Answer

As a private midwives we are afforded the time to dedicate to you and your family, building relationships and trust that helps you feel confident in your journey. We educate both you and your partner as individuals - focusing on your specific needs. Sadly, the NHS maternity system currently struggles with time and resource constraints, which leads to feelings of disappointment for all involved within maternity care. Independent midwifery aims to ensure that birthing choices sit with the woman and her support network through education and knowledge. Research shows that families who receive individualised care with a trusted healthcare professional results in safer outcomes for those women and their babies. You can read more here; 
NHS vs private maternity care: what are your options? - Which?
What are independent midwives? (bounty.com)
national-maternity-review-report.pdf (england.nhs.uk)
https://www.nhs.uk/pregnancy/finding-out/your-nhs-pregnancy-journey/

Question 3

Do we need to pay the full investment for our midwife care package upfront?

Accepted Answer

No not at all. We require a non-refundable £1000 deposit to confirm your choice of midwifery care package booking.

For the antenatal care package - the remainder balance is required to be paid by 34 weeks of pregnancy. 
For the postnatal care package - the remainder balance is required by the end of the postnatal care period.
For care packages which include both antenatal and postnatal care, 80% of the full balance is then due by 34 weeks of pregnancy and the remainder by the end of the postnatal care.

Payment plans may be available and can be discussed on an individual basis.

Question 4

Refund Policy

Accepted Answer

Due to the nature of pregnancy and birth being somewhat unpredictable the following should be noted;

A refund will not be made should it be deemed necessary to transfer your care to fully obstetric led during your pregnancy such as extended inpatient hospital stays. Your Midwife will continue to support you within their professional remit, giving guidance and support where required.

A refund amount will be agreed between both parties to cover care received in the exceptional cases of miscarriage or extremely premature birth.

Question 5

Cancellation Policy

Accepted Answer

We appreciate that occasions arise which necessitate clients/companies cancelling their bookings due to unforeseen circumstances and we therefore try to be flexible in our approach to each individual case. Obviously, we are affected by cancellations financially. All deposits are therefore non refundable. All payments that are made towards an agreed payment plan are non refundable.

Question 6

What about screening tests?

Accepted Answer

You will be offered screening tests (such as scans and bloods) via the NHS booking hospital of choice. 
We are also able to signpost to further testing should this be your preference at private clinics in the area.

Question 7

At what gestation should we start the hypnobirth programme?

Accepted Answer

When would you like to start? You may want to start as soon as you find out you are pregnant if you have many worries about the pregnancy. You may want to come later on in pregnancy if you have only just heard about hypnobirthing.
Most couples come between 25 and 36 weeks of pregnancy, but it is entirely up to you.
Please give us a call and we can discuss this in more detail.

Question 8

Can we do a short Hypnobirth course?

Accepted Answer

We don't usually recommended this, however, we can prepare an intensive private course if necessary. The course is a complete birth preparation programme and all parts are essential to ensure that you have the best possible opportunity to have a positive birth experience.
We offer a refresher course if you have used a hypnobirthing method for a previous pregnancy. Please get in touch for further information on an intensive or refresher course to suit your individual needs.

Question 9

Can we join in digitally?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Of course! We want you to feel comfortable and help you to achieve a calm and comfortable birth wherever you are in the world! Please get in touch to have a chat.

FAQs