Full spectrum midwifery care in London | hertfordshire | Essex
Your own private midwife for your antenatal, birth and postnatal journey
One Midwife, Start to Finish
The same midwife, every visit, from your first appointment to journey's end.
Your Birth, Your Choices
Clear, honest information so you can make decisions you feel confident in.
Body & Mind Supported
Physical, emotional, psychological and cultural care. Nothing is too much to bring.
Clinically Insured & Regulated
Fully qualified, insured and regulated as an independent midwife.
One-to-one care built around your needs, your choices and your story.
You may be here because the standard UK maternity care hasn’t felt like enough.
- Appointments with someone who doesn’t know your name. - Decisions made quickly, without space for questions. - A sense that the system is too busy and you’re just moving through it. Working with a private, independent midwife is different. Your appointments are unrushed, your personal story is known, and the midwife walking alongside you at 38 weeks is the same midwife who was at your booking appointment, and will be there when you go into labour. This is for you if you are:
- Looking for a midwife who has time to listen, be present and who supports the holisitic approach to your care.
- Considering a home birth, hospital birth or Caesarean birth and and want calm, professional and caring support alongside you.
- Looking for antenatal (prenatal) or postnatal care only (or both!)
- Feeling anxious, are uncertain after a previous birth, or have had a previous poor or traumatic care experience.
- Hoping for a higher quality of care that feels deeply personal, consistent and safe.
What changes when you have a private midwife
Dedicated care that's completely yours.
When I know your story - your hopes, your worries, your ideals - I can tailor my care around you and your family just as you want it to help you achieve a memorable birth.
Research consistently shows that having a known midwife (continuity) leads to better outcomes, less intervention, a more positive birth experience and higher success with breastfeeding.
Truly heard
Every visit, we make space for how you’re feeling - physically, emotionally and mentally. Not just the clinical checks, but a truly relaxed, holistic midwifery approach
Calm and prepared
You’ll move through pregnancy and birth feeling confident, informed and not overwhelmed. We can talk through everything, including the things you might be nervous to mention.
Safe and supported
My clinical training and skills are rigorous and up-to-date. You can feel reassured, held and cared for, knowing there’s real expertise beside you at every stage.
Known and nurtured.
Your past experiences, fears, values and family context all shape the care I offer. You will never feel like a number in my practice.
The full care package
Everything you need, from the very beginning to your first weeks as a family.
The full care package covers your entire journey- from your first antenatal appointment through to the final postnatal visit. Every appointment is friendly and unrushed, every assessment is explained, and I’m directly available by phone in- between appointments to support you.
Your care is completely personalised. I’ll tailor my approach to you and your unique preferences.
Your journey Begins
Antenatal Care
My antenatal (prenatal) visits include comprehensive clinical and holistic assessments, including fundal (tummy) height measurements, listening to baby’s heart, palpation to determine baby’s position, alongside in depth discussions about how you are feeling physically, emotionally and in general.
- Booking appointment - this visit usually lasts longer than and hour, as you receive a comprehensive, in- depth assessment alongside a review of your past and present health and wellbeing.
- Antenatal Care - Monthly visits at 12, 16, 20, 24 and 28 weeks (approx. 1.5 hours each)
- Preparing for birth - fortnightly visits from 30 to 36 weeks, focused on birth preparation. Usually the 34-36th week meeting are where we will discuss your plans for birth and postnatal care, but our conversations will cover this topic throughout your pregnancy
- Weekly visits from 36 to 41+ weeks (approx. 1-2 hours each)
- If you wish to have additional visits outside the care package structure, they are available at additional cost.
- Direct telephone support is available between visits.
At the Summit
Labour & Birth
Your due period 37- 42 weeks: from now on my visits will weekly and I’ll be on-call 24/7 in anticipation for your birth.
We will be working together very closely at this time and during my visits I’ll continue to check on your physical and emotional wellbeing and utilise comfort measures and advice to help you feel relaxed, confident and prepared for your baby’s arrival.
- On call 24 hrs from 37 to 41+ weeks
- Continuous one-to-one support throughout labour and birth
- Support in your chosen birth setting either in hospital, at home or caesarean birth
- Hospital attendance available for advocacy, presence and practical support (note: I work in a non-clinical capacity within hospital settings)
- Direct telephone support is available between visits.
Beyond the Mountain
Postnatal Care
Your postnatal journey is unique and special, and your care will be thoughtfully curated during pregnancy to reflect you and your baby’s individual needs, creating a package of support that feels both practical and deeply nurturing for your family.
This includes unrushed care in your own home or visits if you are in a hospital setting.
- Home visits on day 1, 3, 5 and 7, 10 & 14 (or adjusted to your preference)
- Full, holistic assessments of you approx 1.5–2 hours
- The Newborn Bloodspot Screening "Heel prick" test
- Newborn Physical Examinations
- Support with newborn care
- Support with feeding your baby
- Direct telephone support is available between visits
- I also offer postnatal recovery massage and private 1:1 baby massage teaching as additional options - ask for details.
Customised Packages to suit your needs
I can build a comprehensive package around your needs with prices starting from the following
Full Midwifery Care Packages from £8,950*
Antenatal Only Packages from £POA
Postnatal & Newborn Care Packages from £POA
*The cost of your midwifery care is personalised and will depend on various factors, from the specific details of your pregnancy to the birth you choose.
Payment can be made in instalments.
The initial consultation fee is £187. Consultation charges will be invoiced separately after choosing your appointment time and must be paid prior to your consultation taking place.
Booking a consultation is easy, and you can either do this by clicking the button below, which will take you to the booking portal, or by contacting hello@theconsciousmidwife.co.uk
What my clients say
Darcy does everything so well. She created a safe and caring environment for us and our new arrival. She listened and took time to get to know us. She’s always very professional, thoughtful, and kind. There was nothing she could have done to make our experience better- she went above and beyond. We feel so lucky to have had you be a part of our daughter's arrival x
You did a really do an amazing job and we can't thank you enough - you were so caring and loving and made everyone feel so relaxed, involved and calm.
The case for continuity
Why a private, independent midwife makes a difference.
Among the many benefits enjoyed while being encircled in the care that an independent midwife can bring is the opportunity for you and your baby to be tended to in your pregnancy, labour and birth and early parenting days by the same care provider.
Visits take place in the comfort of your own home or workplace and your care is personalised to your lifestyle, offering a meaningful, holistic midwifery approach- without the burden of you having to travel when pregnant or with a newborn.
I don’t just know your birth plan, I come to know you as a family, so I'm uniquely positioned to understand, detect and interpret the subtle nuances that are important to you, making your experience empowering and positive.
You can choose to have an independent midwife alongside NHS care - this is called combined care and many families take this approach. However, some families prefer to have private midwifery care exclusively.
Evidence-based benefits of Private midwifery care
- Reduced chance of caesarean birth
- Reduced chance of instrumental birth
- Reduced need for pain relief in labour
- Reduced chance of induction of labour
- Shorter labour duration
- Increased confidence in pregnancy and reduced stress and anxiety
- Greater satisfaction with the birth experience
- Increased likelihood of safer home birth outcomes
- High success rate in breastfeeding
Research via the Royal College of Midwives and the Maternity Consumer Network (Dahlen, 2026)
“Every family, deserves to feel fully and holistically supported - not just processed through a system”
Your midwife
Hi, I’m Darcy - a registered midwife offering relationship-based care throughout pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal period.
From early in my career I was drawn to the models of midwifery care that honour women’s physiology and prioritise continuity. I’ve seen how fragmented care erodes confidence - in the system and in yourself - so I built a private midwifery practice around a distinctive approach.
I’m also a qualified, specialised massage therapist and trained in the biomechanics of birth, meaning my care extends beyond clinical expertise to embrace therapeutic touch, complementary therapies, and traditional midwifery skills. I hold space for physiology and trauma informed care, for changing minds and for real-world complexity. My care is evidence-informed, not ideologically driven.
Darcy Fox - Midwife
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an independent (private) midwife?
An independent midwife is a registered health care professional specialising in pregnancy and birth who works outside the mainstream healthcare system. Independent midwives provide expert, comprehensive private antenatal care and education, labour and birth attendance, postpartum care, infant feeding and sleeping support and advice and care of the newborn. As a private practitioner, I monitor the physical, psychological, and social wellbeing of you using a holistic, yet comforting approach through the childbearing cycle, where you are in charge. Private midwives are also highly skilled to identify and refer clients who require obstetric attention, safeguarding, or other professional support.
Once again, newly published 2026 research shows what has been known for a long time - that the private midwifery model of care provides true continuity and has the best overall outcomes for women and babies. (Dahlen, 2026). Read here
Can I have an independent midwife alongside NHS care?
Yes. Many of my clients choose to continue accessing NHS appointments alongside working with me - this is called combined care. I’m happy to liaise with NHS teams where helpful, to keep your care consistent and aligned with your wishes.
Is home birth safe?
Home birth is a safe option for most pregnant women and families whose pregnancies are without complications (low risk). For some babies or parents, a hospital is a safer option, and part of the role of the midwife is to help families identify when their pregnancy is not low-risk and when a hospital birth may be a safer option. I always work alongside a second known and trusted midwife during your labour and birth for safety and enhanced care if birthing at home. The cost of the second midwife is included in your package fee. If you are expecting a multiple pregnancy a third midwife will be required and this will incur an additional fee for insurance purposes.
When labour begins, I will come and attend, and stay quietly present. I don’t watch the clock and support your preferences in letting your labour to unfold in it's own time.
What happens if I need to transfer to hospital during labour?
If you’re planning a homebirth and we need to transfer, I’ll always come with you. Within a hospital setting, I’m not able to practice in a clinical capacity as hospitals have their own legal requirements and policies, but I’ll stay with you for advocacy, ensuring your preferences and needs are are known and continue to support you throughout.
Do you attend/support waterbirths?
Yes. I recommend the use of the water alongside other holistic comfort measures in labour for managing pain, supporting progress and to help reduce the rate of medical interventions.
I will discuss this with you in your birth preparation appointment and will set up and and remove the birth pool from your birth space, but my but my priority is always protecting your quiet time for your family and your new baby to bond first.
Do I need to see a doctor for my antenatal or postpartum care?
Usually, people in my care do not see a GP during their care with me unless they become unwell with a common illness, ailment or have an ongoing health concern. GPs are not trained in midwifery care, but they can still perform the basic clinical tasks (blood pressure, blood tests). As I do not provide medical care that is outside of the scope midwifery practice, I'll suggest you visit your doctor if you need a prescription for something I can't provide.
Likewise, If you find you need additional care outside the realm of low-risk midwifery care, such as an obstetrician or consultant, I can make referrals to other specialists as needed. Independent midwives hold the same referral rights as NHS based midwifery care.
What areas do you cover?
I'm based in London (Waltham Forest, on the Epping Forest and Essex border). I provide private, independent midwife care in London, Essex and Hertfordshire. I closely border with many London Boroughs which I regularly visit, including central London, North, North East and North West, East London etc.
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. A payment plan can be arranged. Please mention this when you book your initial consultation and we’ll find a plan that works for you.
What if my baby arrives before 37 weeks?
I’m on-call for you from 37 weeks. If labour begins earlier than expected, contact me immediately - I’ll respond and we’ll approach it together. My care is continuous and I’m always reachable.
What do you do after the baby is born?
It depends. As midwifery care varies a lot from family to family as your care is deeply personalised based on your needs and preferences.
Essentially, we’ll help you bring your baby to your chest for undisturbed skin to skin, promote delayed cord management, help you birth your placenta, and support the cord to be separated by a specified person if that’s what you’ve chosen.
If you have chosen a lotus birth, I will support you with that too.
We provide a quiet space for family bonding time, keeping a gentle, watchful eye out for any help you might need, safely monitoring you and your baby’s wellbeing during that time. Support with infant feeding is provided and an unhurried thorough newborn examination should you wish.
You can be checked to see if you’ve had any labial grazing or tearing and whether you might need sutures, which can be done in the comfort of your own home provided there is nothing serious. Clinical care is always with your consent.
Afterwards, we nurture and nourish you and tuck you into bed, while you enjoy your cosy bubble as a new family in the safety and comfort of your own home. I am always available to return to support you at any point if needed and you will have 24 hour access to me in those tender first days. I follow up with unhurried, relaxed and supportive home visits for your recovery, newborn assessment and feeding support. I never rush to discharge you from my midwifery care, and will only close our journey when you and baby are clinically safe, well and settled.
Do you have insurance?
Yes, for me to practice midwifery legally in the UK I must hold mandatory insurance. I am covered by the Royal College of Nursing for antenatal and postnatal care, ZEST (SK underwriting Ltd) for labour and birth attendance at home and as an attendant in hospital, and the Federation of Holistic Therapists for my complementary therapy offerings.
When should I reach out?
Typically in your first trimester, as it gives us the most time to build a working relationship and provide full, comprehensive antenatal care. My booking availability fills quickly, however, I understand sometimes that's not always possible. Some families find me halfway through their pregnancy, and some later. Reach out wherever you are and we can discuss what's possible, or I can signpost you to another trusted private, independent midwife who will be able to support you.
Do you have another question? Contact me.
Ready when you are
Ready to Experience Real Midwifery?
Explore your private midwifery care options with a no pressure, no commitment initial consultation, at a time that suits you.
The initial consultation fee is £187. Consultation charges will be invoiced separately after choosing your appointment time and must be paid prior to your consultation taking place.
Booking a consultation is easy, and you can either do this by clicking the button which will take you to the booking portal, or contacting hello@theconsciousmidwife.co.uk