Independent midwifery in the UK is no longer a fringe movement.

It’s a quiet revolution, one being led by midwives who’ve had enough.
Enough of compromising their care, their calling, and their well-being for rota gaps and unrealistic workloads.

And I get it. Because I was one of them.

I Gave My Life to the NHS – Until I Had Nothing Left

For years, I danced to someone else’s rhythm.

I lived by the rota. Missed family milestones. Carried the weight of a broken system.
All while trying to give the best of myself to every woman in my care.

I loved being a midwife  but the system made it almost impossible to practice with dignity, joy, or sustainability.

Leaving the NHS felt terrifying.
It was all I’d known. The pension. The camaraderie. The security (or so I thought).

But what I’ve created since?

Freedom. Flexibility. Fulfilment.
A career aligned with my values  and a life that feels like mine again.

And I’ve never looked back.

What’s Really Happening in Private & Independent Midwifery (UK, 2025)

The shift is real  and it’s already underway.

1. Demand is growing

Families are actively seeking personalised, continuous care  especially those who’ve experienced trauma or want alternatives to overstretched hospital systems.

They’re asking for support that sees them as more than a number.
And they’re willing to invest in it.

2. Midwives have more options than ever

You’re no longer limited to full-care packages or birth attendance.

Midwives across the UK are offering:

• Antenatal and postnatal-only care
• Elective caesarean support
• Trauma debriefing sessions
• Hypnobirthing and decision-making guidance
• Digital courses, workshops, and memberships
• Fully insured care via organisations like Zest Midwives

Private practice is no longer “all or nothing.” You can grow into it, shape it, and make it your own.

3. Private vs Independent – What’s the Difference?

Let’s clear this up.

Private midwifery refers to any care delivered outside the NHS. This could be:

• A one-off birth planning consultation
• A series of postnatal visits
• A birth trauma recovery session
• A digital antenatal course

Independent midwifery usually refers to full-spectrum midwifery care provided by a self-employed midwife under her own governance, often including birth attendance, and supported by indemnity cover (like through Zest Midwives).

 All independent midwives are private.
Not all private midwives are independent full-time.
That’s perfectly okay.

There are countless ways to practise midwifery outside the system.
You don’t need to tick every box  you just need to start with your values.

4. You can start small – and stay compliant

You don’t need to leave the NHS overnight.
You don’t need a flashy website, business cards, or a full caseload on day one.

You need:

• A safe, ethical entry point
• A clear understanding of the legal and professional framework
• Practical business skills
• Emotional support
• And someone who’s walked the path before you

That’s exactly why I created the Success Accelerator Programme (SAP) – so you can build a practice step by step, with structure, safety, and support.

5. There is community and structure

Gone are the days of “going it alone.” Midwives are now joining professional peer circles, working collaboratively with NHS teams, and accessing formal licensing and legal protections through organisations like Zest.

Many of us are finding more respect and collaboration as independents than we did inside the system.

Why I’ll Never Go Back

I’ll never go back to missing Christmas mornings, running on empty, proving my worth through overtime, working to the beat of someone else’s drum

I’ll never go back to care that costs me my health, my joy, or my identity.

Because now?

I’m still a midwife.
But I’m also a mother, a business owner, a mentor, and a whole human being.

And I finally get to bring all of that into the care I provide.

Curious What This Could Look Like for You?

You don’t have to leap. You just have to look.

Take my self assessment   “Reality Check” to help you understand where you are — and what your next step could be.  

Or explore explore the Success Accelerator Programme, created for NHS midwives who are ready for a more sustainable, aligned, and powerful way of working.

You deserve a midwifery career that serves you as well as the families you care for.

And you don’t have to do it alone.

Linda Lilwall
The Self-Made Midwife Mentor