Private Midwife Services Prices UK
Private midwife services deliver continuity of care throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. Instead of seeing different NHS midwives at each appointment, you work with a dedicated midwife (or small team) who attends all antenatal visits, supports labour, and provides newborn care afterward. Packages suit parents planning home births, water births, or who want extra reassurance alongside NHS provision.
Independent midwives and collectives such as MyMidwives London, The Independent Midwives UK collective, and Private Midwives tailor plans based on birth preferences. They offer shared care (split with NHS), full private birth packages, or postnatal-only support. Midwives carry professional indemnity insurance, resuscitation equipment, and liaise with local hospitals for transfer if required.
What Private Midwife Packages Include
🤰 Antenatal care
Regular home visits lasting 60–90 minutes covering blood pressure, urine tests, fetal position, birth planning, and hypnobirthing or breastfeeding education.
🧑🍼 Labour support
On-call from 37–42 weeks, your midwife attends labour at home or hospital, providing continuous support, liaising with NHS teams, and advocating for your birth plan.
👩👧 Postnatal visits
Daily or alternate-day visits for up to six weeks, assisting with feeding, wound healing, baby weight checks, and emotional wellbeing.
📞 24/7 contact
Phone support for urgent questions, plus referrals to lactation consultants, doulas, or physiotherapists as needed.
How Much are Private Midwife Services in the UK?
Standalone antenatal consultation: £120 to £180.
Shared care package (antenatal + on-call): £2 200 to £3 400.
Home birth package (antenatal, labour, six-week postnatal): £4 500 to £6 500.
Need extra postpartum help? Combine with our detailed guide to postnatal care packages.
Factors Influencing Private Midwife Costs
👩⚕️ Team structure
Two-midwife teams ensure backup for labour and increase fees compared with solo practitioners.
🏠 Birth setting
Home births require extra equipment, a second midwife, and longer on-call windows, raising package prices.
📅 On-call duration
Extending on-call coverage beyond 37–42 weeks or accommodating induction windows adds to the retainer.
👶 Specialist add-ons
Hypnobirthing classes, lactation consultancy, newborn first aid, or night doula services expand the budget.
How to Save on Private Midwifery
💡 Choose shared care
Combine NHS hospital labour with private antenatal visits to gain continuity at lower cost.
🤝 Book early
Secure your midwife in the first trimester for instalment plans and to lock in current rates.
📅 Share group classes
Join group hypnobirthing or breastfeeding workshops instead of private sessions to reduce fees.
FAQs
Can private midwives deliver in NHS hospitals?
Yes—they act as birth partners and advocates while NHS staff provide clinical care.
What happens if transfer is needed?
Midwives accompany you to hospital, hand over to NHS teams, and continue support through labour and postpartum.
Is private midwifery insured?
Yes—independent midwives carry professional indemnity insurance, and clinics provide copies on request.
Do packages include scans?
Ultrasound scans are usually arranged separately through private scan centres or NHS appointments.
Can I use a doula as well?
Absolutely—doulas provide emotional support alongside clinical midwives. Many packages coordinate both services.
Conclusion
Private midwives deliver personalised, continuous care from pregnancy through postpartum. Blend NHS and private support, book early, and invest in group education to enjoy the reassurance of constant guidance without overspending. 😁
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Jane Smith |
| Am British, live in London (1985–present) |
