Pay For An Independent Midwife Or Not?

Mum_of_many_4

:rotfl: :rotfl: :rotfl: Justie I wish !!!!

inkie

Hi Mum of Many - I can understand your reasons for wanting to have a IM due to continuity of care issues. However, the fact that you are a 'grand multipara' would certainly be reason for you having 1 to 1 care in NHS any way. I refuse to look after more than one labouring woman as it compromises care delivery.
What I would check out is your GPs stance on this - although the IM would be practicing autonomously, in view of Strep B, she will need a prescription from the GP for the oral abx which you would need. Also, if the labour was prem/or full term and you needed transfereing in, has she got an honoury contract with the local mat unit to deliver care - if she hasn't then she will just be there in a 'supporter' role, rather than a care delivery role. If this is the case, you may be beter off booking just a/n and p/n care.

Just my thoughts as a midwife.

inkie

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I heard on the radio the other day (Woman's Hour) that independent midwives are practicing without insurance! Worrying thought!

That is true in some cases - as the costs for IM insurance are something ridiculously prohibitive. But, as long as you are doing what you are doing, and practice in the way that you should be doing, then there are no issues.

slscarborough

I would love to have been able to afford an independant midwife as with both my babies I have felt like I have gone through pregancy and delivery all on my own. I too never saw the same midwife twice and felt like they did not know what they were doing. If you can afford it I say do it!!

vickyj

lipidicman wrote: »

I heard on the radio the other day (Woman's Hour) that independent midwives are practicing without insurance! Worrying thought!

insurance is thier to "cusion" people financially, not deliver a baby. It wont help them do thier job

Eels100

Just wanted to say that it sounds like there's been no recognition by your healthcare providers of the tough time you've had, Mum of many, which I hadn't realised. I hope that whatever you choose this birth is less traumatic for you, and that you get support in whatever form you need it.

DrFluffy

inkie wrote: »

Hi Mum of Many - I can understand your reasons for wanting to have a IM due to continuity of care issues. However, the fact that you are a 'grand multipara' would certainly be reason for you having 1 to 1 care in NHS any way. I refuse to look after more than one labouring woman as it compromises care delivery.
What I would check out is your GPs stance on this - although the IM would be practicing autonomously, in view of Strep B, she will need a prescription from the GP for the oral abx which you would need. Also, if the labour was prem/or full term and you needed transfereing in, has she got an honoury contract with the local mat unit to deliver care - if she hasn't then she will just be there in a 'supporter' role, rather than a care delivery role. If this is the case, you may be beter off booking just a/n and p/n care.

Just my thoughts as a midwife.

Couldn't agree more - *only* a med student, but given risk of complications increases massively after 3 births, I also thought you should be entitled to a more intensive level of care, should you so want it. I'm not sure where I stand on the medicalisation of childbirth - will decide when I've been through it - but as there is a real and proven increase in risk you should push more for NHS help...

DrFluffy

vickyj wrote: »

insurance is thier to "cusion" people financially, not deliver a baby. It wont help them do thier job

It is not a cushion in the usual medico-legal sense of the word. Inducing brain damage is scarily easy. Such payouts are not a cushion, they are they to provide care for the individual in question for the rest of their lives, which is very, very expensive. It might be a rare event in reality, but it does happen...

MJMum

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Janepig

Mum of many, I think you should also seriously consider a Doula as an alternative - I can't say I've read anything in the above posts that would make me think that what you require is more than what they provide, ie, support, reassurance and an advocate at the hospital who will push for what you want but perhaps aren't feeling up to explaining.

There used to be a programme on (I think) Discovery Health (we don't get that channel any more) called "Mum +1" which was about mums who'd hired Doulas and their experiences and I really wish I'd had one for both my labours - bless him DH was pretty much hopeless, a bit overwhelmed I think. Also (I believe) Doula's assist in the first few weeks after birth with housework and the like which may also be a great help to you with it being your sixth!!!

Good luck in whatever you decide!

Jxx