Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of hiring a private midwife varies depending on the level of care you need. My private midwifery packages are designed to provide personalised, continuous maternity care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period, with options for complete care or standalone antenatal and postnatal support. Every package is tailored to your individual needs, giving you dedicated one-to-one care, longer appointments and direct access to your own independent midwife. Payment plans are also available to help spread the investment. Click here for my prices.

My private midwifery packages include far more than routine appointments. Depending on the package you choose, your care may include comprehensive antenatal appointments, personalised birth planning, 24/7 WhatsApp support, home visits, labour and birth support, postnatal care, newborn examinations, breastfeeding support, private maternity blood tests and continuity of care from the same experienced midwife throughout your journey.

Many families choose private maternity care because they value continuity, personalised support and having a midwife who truly knows them. Rather than seeing different professionals at each appointment, you'll have one dedicated midwife who understands your pregnancy, your preferences and your family. For many parents, this continuity provides reassurance, confidence and a more positive pregnancy and birth experience. There is also a lot of evidence to suggest this is safer for mum and for baby and birth partners report feeling much more supported and involved in the process. Clients always comment on it being the best investment they've ever made.

Yes. Many of my clients choose a combination of private and NHS maternity care. You remain entitled to all NHS services while benefiting from additional personalised care, longer appointments, continuity of care and enhanced support from your independent midwife. I work collaboratively alongside NHS services whenever appropriate to ensure you receive seamless, safe care. Alternatively, I have had many clients who do not use the NHS at all. We can discuss this further during a discovery call.

Absolutely. Home birth is included within my comprehensive birth packages if that's the right choice for you. I have extensive experience supporting physiological birth at home, while always prioritising safety and evidence-based care. Throughout your pregnancy we'll discuss your individual circumstances, birth preferences and any factors that may influence where you choose to give birth, so you can make informed decisions with confidence. There is no pressure for you to choose a home birth, but equally many families who are unsure to begin with decide it is the best option for them later on.

Yes. While I am passionate about home birth, my role is to support your choices. Whether you plan a home birth, birth centre birth, hospital birth or caesarean birth, I will provide personalised, evidence-based care and support throughout your pregnancy. If your plans change, I'll continue to support you every step of the way. I have no ulterior motives in what I support or who I support.

I provide private midwifery care across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands, with some availability further afield depending on location and due date. If you're unsure whether you're within my catchment area, please get in touch and I'd be happy to discuss your options. Towns and cities include but are not limited to:Nottingham, Derby, Chesterfield, Mansfield, Newark-on-Trent, Lincoln, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, Derbyshire, Burton-on-Trent, Loughborough, Leicestershire, Yorkshire

The best time to book is as early as possible in pregnancy, particularly if you're hoping for full continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth and the postnatal period - I even have clients contact me when trying to conceive! However, if you're later in pregnancy, it's always worth getting in touch as I may still have availability depending on your due date.

Yes. I offer interest-free payment plans on my full midwifery packages, allowing you to spread the investment throughout your pregnancy. A deposit secures your booking, with the remaining balance paid in manageable monthly instalments due in full at 36 weeks, ready for your baby's arrival.

Independent midwifery offers genuine continuity of care. Instead of seeing multiple professionals, you'll have one experienced midwife who gets to know you, your baby and your birth preferences. Appointments are longer, care is personalised, and you'll have direct access to your own midwife between appointments. My role is to provide evidence-based information, compassionate support and truly individualised maternity care centred around your family. I want you to feel safe and supported at every step.

Yes. Many families decide to seek additional support after becoming pregnant or after experiences that leave them wanting more continuity and personalised care. If I have availability, you can transfer your care later in pregnancy and continue receiving NHS care alongside my support where appropriate.

Birth is unpredictable, and flexibility is an important part of good maternity care. Whether labour starts differently than expected, your place of birth changes, or you decide on different options as pregnancy progresses, I will continue to support you with compassionate, evidence-based care. My focus is helping you feel informed, respected and supported, whatever your birth journey looks like. It is important to remember that you are not booking me to achieve a particular type of birth, but that you are booking a service to support and hold you however your birth unfolds. As a home birth specialist I truly believe I provide you with the tools, the evidence and the continuity to improve your chances of a successful home birth, but birth can be unpredictable and it is not a guarantee.

Choosing a private midwife is about so much more than comparing packages - it's about finding someone you genuinely connect with. I'm an experienced independent midwife, a home birth specialist, and a mum who chose an independent midwife for my own pregnancy because I truly believe in the power of continuity of care. While some independent midwives exclusively support home births, I support families planning home births, hospital births and caesarean births, always championing your choices rather than my own. My clients often tell me appointments feel like catching up with a friend where humour and laughter is part of every appointment, but my ability to remain calm through the chaos is a true gift. If you're looking for warm, evidence-based care with plenty of laughs along the way, we'll probably be a great fit.

Choosing an independent midwife means receiving truly personalised care from one experienced midwife throughout your pregnancy, birth and postnatal journey. Unlike standard maternity care, I provide continuity of care with longer appointments in your own home, giving you the time, support and reassurance you deserve. I offer private midwifery care across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and the wider East Midlands.

Yes. Many of the families I support choose shared care, combining NHS maternity services with my personalised independent midwifery care. I'll help you understand your options, advocate for your preferences where needed and work alongside NHS services so you feel informed, supported and confident throughout your pregnancy.

Choosing a private midwife means choosing personalised, relationship-based care. You'll see the same experienced midwife throughout your pregnancy, have direct access to me when you need support, and benefit from longer appointments, home visits and continuity throughout your maternity journey. Whether you're planning a home birth, hospital birth or planned caesarean, my role is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that helps you feel informed, empowered and supported every step of the way.

I support families planning home births, hospital births and planned caesarean births. While home birth is a particular passion of mine, my role is never to persuade you towards one type of birth. Instead, I provide balanced, evidence-based information so you can make the decisions that feel right for you and your family, with consistent support every step of the way.

Families often tell me they choose me because they want continuity, time and genuine support throughout their pregnancy. Every appointment is unhurried and takes place in the comfort of your home, giving us plenty of opportunity to discuss your questions, concerns and birth preferences. My aim is for you to feel informed, respected and truly listened to throughout your maternity journey.

I'm based in Derbyshire and provide private midwifery care throughout Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire and the East Midlands, including Derby, Nottingham, Chesterfield, Matlock, Mansfield, Burton upon Trent and surrounding areas. If you're unsure whether I travel to your location, I'd be happy to discuss your options during a free discovery call.

I recommend booking as early as possible, as I intentionally limit the number of families I care for each month to provide genuine continuity of care. However, I also offer care packages starting later in pregnancy, including my comprehensive package beginning from 30 weeks, depending on availability.

Yes. I believe exceptional maternity care should be as accessible as possible, so flexible payment plans are available across most of my packages. A 25% deposit secures your booking, with the remaining balance spread throughout your pregnancy so everything is paid before your baby arrives. All packages must be paid by 36 weeks.

There isn't one—the terms "private midwife" and "independent midwife" are often used interchangeably. Both describe a self-employed, registered midwife who provides personalised maternity care outside of the NHS. As an independent midwife, I offer private pregnancy, birth and postnatal care with continuity of care, longer home appointments and direct access to me throughout your journey. Whether you're searching for a private midwife in Derbyshire, an independent midwife in Nottinghamshire or private maternity care in the East Midlands, you're looking for the same type of personalised, relationship-based care.

The first step is to book a free discovery call. This gives us a chance to talk through your pregnancy, what you’re looking for, and whether we’re the right fit for each other. If you decide to go ahead, I’ll send over a booking form and contract, and your place in my caseload is secured with a deposit.

I intentionally limit the number of families I care for to 1-2 due a month. This allows me to provide true continuity of care and be fully available to you, especially when I am on call. Once my caseload is full, I close bookings for that period.

Yes. While I am confidently pro home birth, I support women in choosing the setting that feels right for them. If you plan a hospital birth — or if plans change — I attend as your independent midwife, providing continuity, advocacy and calm support throughout. I do not, however, provide clinical care whilst you are in a hospital and you will be assigned an NHS midwife.

If a transfer is needed at any point, I go with you and remain by your side until your baby is born. You won’t be handed over and left. I work collaboratively with NHS teams to ensure a smooth and supportive transition.

Pregnancy doesn’t always unfold exactly as expected. If new considerations arise, we have open, balanced discussions about the available evidence and local guidelines. Sometimes plans stay the same, sometimes they evolve. Either way, I remain your midwife and continue to support you fully.

Full pregnancy, birth and postnatal packages are an investment in personalised, continuous care. Pricing reflects on the level of support required, and detailed information is provided during your discovery call.​A clear payment schedule is agreed at booking so you always know exactly what to expect.

Yes. Payment plans are available to spread the cost of care across your pregnancy.Typically, this includes:​A non-refundable deposit to secure your bookingStructured monthly instalmentsFull payment due by 36 weeks

Yes and no. I work alongside NHS services. You will still have access to scans, blood tests and specialist services where required. I liaise directly with local hospitals and consultants to ensure your care remains joined-up and collaborative.​However, some clients choose not to engage with NHS services and only employ me for their maternity care. It is personal to you what you choose.

The earlier the better. Many families book in the first or early second trimester to secure availability. However, you’re welcome to enquire at any stage of pregnancy - if I have space, I will always explore options with you.

That’s completely fine. You don’t need to have decided on your birth plan - or even independent care - to book a discovery call. Sometimes talking things through is the first step towards clarity. What matters is you choose the right midwife for you, this is no sales pitch - it's your health and your experience, it has to be right for you.

This is an important question. Often it stems from previous experiences or fears about losing control, and that would be something I would want us to explore antenatally. No midwife can guarantee that a baby will be born at home, and anyone who does would not be practising safely. By employing me, you are employing my training and clinical judgement to keep you and your baby safe. I do not practise home birth at all costs, although I absolutely believe home birth can be a very safe and positive place to give birth. Most transfers are not emergencies. The aim is to recognise evolving concerns early and move to the safest place before a situation becomes urgent. We would discuss any change in circumstances together as it arose, and many situations involve shared decision-making - usually with plenty of time and your complete ability to say no.  Antenatally, we would talk through potential reasons for transfer so that nothing feels unexpected. In the rare event of a true emergency where I believed there was serious and immediate risk to you or your baby, I would call an ambulance and initiate emergency care in line with my professional duty as a midwife.

This looks slightly different for every woman, depending on what feels important to her. Broadly, it means ensuring you are listened to, that all options are explained clearly, and that your choices remain central to decision-making. Because we build a relationship throughout pregnancy, I would understand your preferences and priorities. My role is to help you feel safe, informed and supported, even if plans change.​Because I am a Midwife and not a doula, I can give clinical advice relevant to your situation as well as challenge poor care.