A few days ago, I took on the hardest physical challenge I can remember, climbing Pen y Fan, the highest peak in southern Britain. Six hours of sheer grit, self-doubt, and persistence. And somewhere along that ascent, between gasping for breath and questioning my sanity, I realised just how much this climb mirrors the journey of leaving the NHS to become an independent midwife.

When I first set foot on the path leading up the mountain, I was hit with an overwhelming thought: I don’t think I can do this. I had told everyone I would, but in that moment, I doubted whether I had the stamina. The climb ahead seemed endless, steep, and unforgiving. Sound familiar? It’s the same uncertainty so many midwives feel when contemplating leaving the NHS.

The First Steps: Facing Self-Doubt

At the start of my climb, every 15 to 20 steps, I had to stop, catch my breath, and level out. The same happens when transitioning into independent practice. The initial phase is daunting, navigating business structures, setting up a client base, figuring out insurance, marketing, and policies. You question whether you have what it takes.

Like on the mountain, the first instinct is to seek reassurance. After an hour of climbing, I began asking those coming down how much further I had to go. The responses varied, some said “about an hour” (a clear underestimation!), while others bluntly told me, “You’ve got a long way, and it’s going to get a lot steeper.”

It’s the same when leaving the NHS. Some will encourage you, others will warn you of the struggles ahead. Some will downplay the challenges, while others will magnify them. The key is knowing that no matter what they say, the only way forward is one step at a time.

Small Wins Keep You Going

At one point, I met a man who was climbing the mountain every single day for a year to raise money for bowel cancer. His story hit home, just weeks ago, my close friend and colleague was diagnosed with a rare appendix cancer. Our paths had crossed for a reason. His dedication reminded me that persistence is everything.

That’s when I realised I needed to change my mindset. Instead of asking how much further, I started celebrating how far I had already come. I stopped looking at the peak and focused on my feet. I set tiny goals, reach the next set of stones, then the next.

Independent midwifery is no different. If you focus solely on the end goal, full independence, financial security, a steady client base, you may feel overwhelmed. But if you break it down into small, achievable steps, each one becomes a milestone worth celebrating. First, register as self-employed. Then, decide on your offering. Next, create a simple website. Book your first client consultation. Step by step, the summit comes into view.

The Power of Support and Perspective

Just as I was pushing through, I received a message from my son. He had climbed ahead and sent me a text saying, “you can’t do it trust me.” I misread it as “you CAN do it, trust me.” That single misinterpretation pushed me forward. Later, we laughed about it, but the truth remains: how we interpret messages, whether internal or external, can define our journey.

Many midwives hesitate to leave the NHS because of well-meaning warnings from colleagues: “It’s too risky.” “You won’t make enough money.” “You’ll lose your pension.” But what if, instead of hearing discouragement, you heard encouragement? “You can do it, trust me.” “You’re more than capable.” “You deserve a career on your own terms.”

The final stretch of the climb was the hardest, but it was also the most rewarding. My son and I reached the peak together, and the sense of achievement was indescribable. Every struggle, every doubt, every moment of exhaustion had been worth it.

Guidance from those that have gone before 

One of the biggest lessons I learned on that climb was the importance of support from those who had gone before me. Along the way, I met incredible people who encouraged me, shared their own experiences, and gave me practical advice. They had already climbed this mountain, and their guidance helped me navigate the challenge ahead.

This is exactly why mentorship is so crucial when stepping into independent midwifery. Having someone who has already walked the path, who understands the obstacles, the doubts, and the breakthroughs, can make all the difference. The people I met on the mountain were like mentors, reminding me to break the climb into small goals, to focus on my progress rather than the distance left to go, and to keep pushing forward even when it felt impossible.

Independent practice can feel isolating, but it doesn’t have to be. With the right mentorship, guidance, and community, the journey becomes far more manageable. Just as I wouldn’t have made it up that mountain without the encouragement of others, midwives transitioning to independence thrive when they have the right support system in place.

Your Mountain Awaits

Transitioning to independent midwifery is like climbing your own mountain. At the start, you’ll doubt yourself. You’ll need to stop and regroup. You’ll seek reassurance from those ahead of you. The climb will be tough, but step by step, you’ll get there. And when you do, the sense of clarity, freedom, and achievement will be unparalleled.

If you’re standing at the base of your own mountain, wondering if you can do it, trust me, you can. You just have to take the first step.

Are you ready to start your climb?

If you need guidance on navigating the path to independent practice, I’m here to help. Reach out for a discovery call, and let’s take the first step together.