Please email me at amy@midwifeamy.co.uk if you cannot find an answer to your question.
An independent midwife is a registered midwife who is self employed and works outside the NHS. We offer personalised, relationship-based care and care for much smaller numbers of clients at a time. You have a known and trusted midwife supporting you throughout your whole journey, with time, continuity, and truly individual planning.
I’m based in Leigh on Sea, Essex, and usually support families within around an hour’s drive (including Southend, Westcliff, Chalkwell, Benfleet, Rayleigh, Basildon, Chelmsford, and surrounding areas). Take a look at the map on my contact me page. If you’re a bit further, still reach out — I’ll tell you honestly what’s possible.
It means I’m your midwife. You’ll be cared for by me, a known and trusted midwife through pregnancy, birth (where contracted), and postnatal support — not a rotating team. Continuity means I know your story as it evolves and you don't have to keep explaining your story to different midwives every time you need to access support. We stay in touch regularly and am invested in your individual journey.
Even for clients who book antenatal and postnatal care only, they really feel the benefit of having extra time to prepare and ask questions during pregnancy and find the extended postnatal care and support invaluable, especially during those early days.
No. Many families choose both:
I can work alongside your NHS care so you feel informed, supported, and confident or you can pick and choose what NHS care you would like. The choice is completely yours.
Care during your pregnancy:
NHS: You can find the schedule of antenatal appointments for standard NHS care here. On average, women receive 1 x hour long booking appointment and about 9 x 20 minute antenatal midwife appointments (less than this if it is not your first baby) at a clinic you are allocated to in your local area, with a midwife you are allocated to (and it may not be the same midwife you see at every appointment).
Independent midwifery: On average, I see my clients face to face at their home 12-14 times during their pregnancy and appointments are between 1-2 hours long... plus we talk/message/email between appointments and I send lots of useful resources and information tailored to your individual needs. If you are having hospital appointments as part of your care, I can attend these with you and advocate for you.
Care at your birth:
NHS: For NHS births, whatever type of birth you are planning, when you are in labour you will be cared for by midwives who are on shift that day. They usually work 12 hour shifts and then the staff will change over.
You will most likely not have met them before.
Independent midwifery: For clients who book birth care with me (at home or hospital), I am exclusively on call 24/7 from 37 weeks until they have their baby. We spend hours exploring birth options and forming the birth plan(s) before the big day.
From early labour support right through to the first hours immediately after your baby is born, I am with you the whole time offering support... a known and trusted part of your birth team.
No possibility of a cancelled service.
No unnecessary disturbances or questions.
Care during the postnatal period:
NHS: Generally, women booked for NHS postnatal care receive just 3 postnatal checks, some at home and some in postnatal clinics. Women are usually discharged from care 10 days after the birth.
Independent midwifery: My standard postnatal package includes 10 postnatal checks at your home; everyday for the first 5 days and the remaining 5 visits are spread over a 4-6 week period. Care is unhurried, we have lots of time for feeding and emotional support. I visit at a time that works for you.
It is never too early - ideally as early as you can, especially if you want birth attendance, because availability is limited.
If you're worried about miscarrying and being committed to a package, please don't. In the sad event of miscarriage or very premature birth, we will work out a reduction in fees/refund based on what care has been provided.
I do not provide birth only care and generally don't take on clients beyond 32 weeks because we need time to build up trust and a relationship before the birth and this takes time.
Depending on your care package and circumstances, I can support:
I am required by law to have adequate indemnity insurance to provide support and care to women in labour, even if I am not the lead care provider, so any intended birth attendance would require booking the full continuity of care package to cover insurance and on call costs.
No — birth is unpredictable and no one can guarantee outcomes. What I do offer is calm, evidence-informed guidance, continuity, and strong emotional and practical support so you can make informed choices and feel held throughout.
You can absolutely still benefit from independent private midwifery support. I can help you:
While both midwives and obstetricians (doctors who specialise in pregnancy and birth complications) provide care for women during pregnancy and childbirth, midwives focus on providing personalised and holistic care to mother and baby. Midwives are experts in physiology ("normality") and we work collaboratively with obstetricians when there are complications or complex medical histories.
Just because your individual circumstances may be more complex, doesn't mean you shouldn't receive care that isn't personalised and doesn't mean that you should miss out on enjoying your pregnancy and birth... this is where hiring an independent midwife can make a huge difference to your experience!
Midwife Amy | Independent Private Midwife | Leigh-on-Sea, Essex | 07947890772 | amy@midwifeamy.co.uk
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