FAQ’s a few questions you may already be asking yourself about private midwifery care and home birth services across Sussex, Kent and Greater London.

What is Private Midwifery Care?

Private midwifery care sometimes known as Independent Midwifery Care offers personalised, continuity focused support, throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period. It provides a dedicated Midwife that during the course of your pregnancy you get to know and trust andthat tailors their services to your needs in the comfort of your home.

Why choose a private Midwife?

Many families are increasingly frustrated with midwifery care as we know it. We are told again and again that gold standard midwifery care is about knowing and trusting your health professional. A private Midwife offers you continuity of care, flexible appointments and TIME. You are not rushed through a 20 minute appointment with no time to ask questions or get to know your baby. Instead you arrange a time that works for you and your family for your Midwife to come and see you at home and offer truly personalised in-depth midwifery care.

What are the benefits of having a home Birth?

Home births offer comfort, a supportive safe environment and an emphasis on ensuring you are at the centre of your care and the decisions you wish to make. Home Birth is proven to be safe and often as safe if not safer for the majority of women giving birth.

Having a home Birth means Midwives come to tend to you at home. Having a private Midwife ensures you know you will be receiving continuity of care and a professional healthcare provider who is committed to honouring you and keeping you and your baby safe.

How much does Private Midwife care cost?

Costs vary depending on the services. I offer comprehensive care packages ranging from antenatal appointments to postnatal visits and Ofcourse home birth packages. every package is fully insured and the price of insurance is included in the fee.

every package is fully insured and the price of insurance is included in the fee.

Are Private Midwives experienced with VBACs (vaginal birth after caesarean ), HBACs (home birth after Caesarian and care that is outside of usual guidance?

Yes. Many private Midwives, including myself specialise in supporting home births that may in an NHS setting be considered higher risk. Ensuring informed and supportive care that is tailored to individual needs.

What services do private midwives offer beyond Birth care?

Antenatal care, breastfeeding support, tongue tie assessments, postnatal care, and lactation consultations can all be offered. In some circumstances where a specially trained professional is required in a service that I may not be able to provide myself, for example tongue tie division, An appointment can be made or an individual found who can offer these services. I am always happy to support and recommend if the care is outside of my personal remit.

Can I have a water Birth at home with you?

Yes, absolutely! I frequently facilitate water Births and as part of a package can provide all the necessary equipment including a pool.

If I have a private Midwife, do I have to choose between a home birth and a hospital birth?

Not necessarily. Although I primarily support families with their wishes to have a home Birth if you wish to have a hospital birth, I am also able to support you in support is a little different due to insurance but I am able to accompany you and offer emotional and physical support while the hospital staff take care of clinic. This also allows for a seamless transition should you require any hospital based care during your pregnancy or birth?

Are private Midwifery services available in rural parts of Sussex and Kent?

Yes, private Midwifes often cover rural area, providing home visits and tailored care. It’s best to confirm my service range during your initial consultation but I am also alwasy happy to recommend another Private Midwife more local to you if needs be.

Is Private Midwife Care culturally inclusive?

Absolutely as a private Midwife I respect diverse cultural, religious and social preferences tailor and care to meet your individual needs while maintaining an open non-judgemental approach.

What is the average appointment length with a private Midwife?

Appointments are typically one to 2 hours, allowing for detailed discussions, personalised advice and comprehensive care.

What is included in Private midwifery care?

Care includes regular checkups, birth preparation, emotional support and personalised guidance. Time is given to discuss research and evidence and to ensure the decisions you are making are right for you and your family based on best available evidence and your wishes.

What happens if complications arise during a home birth?

Private midwives are trained in the same way as NHS Midwives and carry all the same equipment. When necessary we have the skills to act in an emergency which may also include transferring you to the nearest hospital for further support.

Can Private Midwives help with postpartum mental health?

Yes, relationship based care allows me as your Midwife to know you and support you. There is a trusting bond between us and often this helps with recognising when more mental health support is required. I can support you with seeking further guidance but also by offering tailored post natal care that may involve more frequent visits or care that lasts longer than average.