Everything you wanted to ask but weren't sure how to.

Honestly? Just terminology. Both terms refer to midwives who work outside the NHS. I use "private midwife" because it's clearer for most families - but we are regulated and qualify in exactly the same way as our NHS colleagues.

In order to practise independently, we must attend annual skills updates, mandatory training, and safeguarding for both mother and baby. The standard of clinical care is identical - the model of care is completely different.

I love the NHS and spent most of my career working within it. But the reality is that my NHS colleagues are limited by time constraints, oversaturated caseloads, and hospital policies that don't always consider you as the unique individual you are.

As your private midwife, my time is dedicated to you. I spend hours with my clients, building the kind of relationship and trust that helps you feel genuinely confident in your pregnancy and birth. I can educate you and your partner properly, talk to you as an individual, and help you take real ownership of your care - not just another number on an ever-growing list.

For many women, the system leaves them feeling unseen or traumatised. Individualised, relationship-based care is designed to overcome exactly that.

We provide the same clinical care as traditional NHS midwives - monitoring mother and baby at every appointment, carrying out all routine checks and screening, and referring to your local hospital if we feel it is necessary for your safety.

The difference is that we have the luxury of time and smaller caseloads. This means we can see you more frequently, at times that suit you, with appointments that go for as long as they need to - in your own home.

I provide care in your own home, and I plan my services entirely around your needs - including at times that might seem unusual for a standard clinical appointment. I also maintain close working relationships with local NHS trusts so you have a knowledgeable guide to navigating their guidelines when needed.

For birth, I support home births, hospital births, and birth centre births - wherever you feel safest is where we will be.

No. While some independent midwives choose to work as sole practitioners, I work closely alongside colleagues geographically. Between us we have over 40 years of experience, and we also have an extensive support team of healthcare professionals including our own in-house doulas.

This means you not only get excellent clinical care, but access to a varied support system if you wish to draw on other providers too. You will always have a known, trusted team around you - not a stranger on shift.

Bailey will be your named midwife throughout your pregnancy, and will be present at your birth. From 37 weeks, a second trusted YPM midwife is also on call - both of whom know you, your story, and your birth preferences before the day arrives.

We deliberately limit the number of births we take on at any one time to ensure you can always rely on our provision and that your experience remains our priority.

Your midwife comes with you. She stays by your side throughout, advocating for you and ensuring your choices are respected wherever your birth takes place. Having a known midwife with you during a hospital transfer makes an enormous difference to your experience - you are never handed over to strangers and left alone.

No. A non-refundable deposit is taken at booking to secure your space and your dates. The remaining balance can be spread across your pregnancy with a flexible payment plan - over 3, 6 or 9 months, completely interest free.

Insurance fees, if applicable, will be required at 36 weeks of pregnancy. Talk to us on your discovery call and we will work out a payment schedule that suits your situation.

You will receive the same packages of scans and blood tests via your chosen NHS booking hospital. I am also able to signpost to further private testing should that be your preference.

If you wish to avoid NHS involvement entirely, we can work around this at an additional cost for screening and blood tests. We will discuss all of this at your first appointment so you have a clear picture of your care from the start.

Yes, absolutely. Private midwifery can complement or replace your NHS care, depending on your package and your preferences. Many clients use our Birth Only package to add private midwifery support on top of their existing NHS antenatal care.

Your YPM midwife works with NHS teams where needed - not instead of them - and advocates for you within the system when it matters.

As early as possible. Full Care spaces are limited each month to protect the quality of care we provide, and the earlier you book, the more of that care you receive from the start of your pregnancy.

Our Birth Only package is available from 34 weeks, so if you are further along in your pregnancy it is still absolutely worth reaching out - spaces permitting.

Yes. Birth provision at Your Private Midwife is fully insured. We work closely with NHS care providers and other private midwives to ensure your birth choices are heard and you are placed at the centre of your care at every point.