Full spectrum midwifery care · East London | hertfordshire | Essex
Your own 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 standard 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 busy and you’re just moving through it.
Working with an independent midwife is different. Your appointments are unrushed. Your history is known. And the person sitting with you at 36 weeks is the same person who was there 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 actually listen
- Considering a home birth, hospital birth or Caesarean birth and and want skilled, calm support alongside you
- Feeling anxious or uncertain after a previous birth experience
- Hoping for care that feels personal, consistent and safe
What changes when you have a known midwife
Truly heard. Genuinely calm. Completely yours.
When I know your story - your history, your hopes, your worries - I can tailor my care around you.
Research consistently shows that having a known midwife leads to better outcomes, 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 holistic midwifery approach
Calm and prepared
You’ll move through pregnancy and birth feeling confident, informed and not overwhelmed. We talk through everything, including the things you might be nervous to bring up.
Safe and supported
My clinical training and skills are rigorous. You can feel 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 maternity journey from your first antenatal appointment through to postnatal discharge. Every visit is unrushed, every assessment is explained, and I’m available by phone in between visits.
Care is completely personal. I’ll tailor my approach to you at each stage, and unique preferences and choices will shape every decision we make together.
Your journey Begins
Antenatal Care
My visits include, with your consent, assessments of urine, blood pressure, weight, fundal height measurements, listening to baby’s heart, palpation to determine baby’s position, alongside an in depth discussion about how you are feeling physically and emotionally. You can decline anything you do not wish to have.
- Booking appointment - this visit usually lasts longer than and hour, as you are offered a physical assessment alongside a review of your past and present health history.
- 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 the our conversations will cover this throughout your pregnancy
- Weekly visits from 36 to 42 weeks (approx 2 hours each)
- On average, most visits usually last an hour or two, however, if you wish to have additional visits outside the care package structure, they are available at additional cost.
- Telephone support is available between all visits.
At the Summit
Birth Support
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 birth. I will support you throughout labour and birth in either the hospital, at home or for elective caesarean, whichever is your preference.
The cost of the second midwife is included in your package price and you will get to meet them earlier in your pregnancy.
- On call 24 hrs from 37 weeks
Continuous one-to-one support throughout labour and birth - I can support you in various birth settings
- Hospital attendance available for advocacy and presence (note: I work in a non-clinical capacity within hospital settings)
- If you have a doula or birth companion, I’m happy to meet beforehand so we can work well together
- Telephone support is available between all visits.
Beyond the Mountain
Postnatal Care
Your postnatal journey is unique and special, and your care will be thoughtfully curated during pregnancy to reflect your and your baby’s individual needs, creating a package of support that feels both practical and deeply nurturing.
This includes unrushed, thoughtful 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 midwifery assessment of you approx 1.5–2 hours
- Newborn bloodspot screening (day 5) if consented
- Support with Infant feeding support and newborn care
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Telephone support is available between all visits.
- I also offer postnatal massage and private 1:1 baby massage teaching as additional options - ask for details.
Customised Packages to suit your needs
I can build a package around your needs with prices starting from the following
Full Spectrum Packages from £8,950
Antenatal Only Packages from £1995
Postnatal Care Packages from £1297
Payment can be made in instalments.There are no hidden costs.
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 an independent midwife makes a difference.
Among the many wonderful benefits enjoyed while being encircled in the care that an independent midwife can give, is the opportunity for you and your baby to be tended to in your pregnancy, during labour and birth and beyond by the same care provider.
As your very own midwife, by visiting you in the comfort of your own home environment, I can tailor support to your lifestyle, promote relational and holistic midwifery care without the burden of travelling when pregnant or with a newborn. I will gather and assess your history, current health, and listen to your personal hopes and desires for this pregnancy, building a reciprocal trust. I will also be directly available to you for support when you need it.
I don’t just know your birth plan, I know you, so I become uniquely poised to understand, detect and interpret subtle nuances, meaning your hopes and wishes can be expressed, understood, and honoured. Subsequent advocacy and recommendations will be consistent with you, and any decision making or transferring of care with other providers will become more efficient and effective in alignment with your choices.
You can choose to have an independent midwife alongside NHS care - this is called combined care, and many of my clients take this approach. You can also choose to work with a doula or birth companion; I’d suggest we meet before your birth so we can collaborate well.
Evidence-based benefits of independent midwifery care
- Reduced chance of caesarean birth
- Reduced risk of instrumental birth
- Reduced need for pain relief in labour
- Reduced rate of induction of labour
- Shorter labour
- Increased confidence in pregnancy
- 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)
“I became a midwife because I believe every woman and their family, deserves to feel fully and holistically supported - not just processed through a system”
Your midwife
Hi, I’m Darcy - a registered independent midwife offering full-spectrum, relationship-based care throughout pregnancy, birth and the early postnatal period.
From early in my career I was drawn to models of 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 my midwifery practice around a distinctive approach.
I’m also a qualified 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 support. 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 RM - Independent Midwife, East London
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 antenatal care and education, labour and birth attendance, postpartum care, infant feeding 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 independent 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 at a home birth. 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 as you labour and birth. 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, but I’ll stay with you for advocacy 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 significantly reducing the rate of medical interventions.
I will discuss this with you in your birth preparation and will set up and and remove the birth pool from your birth space, but my but my priority is always protecting quiet time for your family and your new baby to bond.
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) during a typical antenatal or postnatal appointment. 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 issue.
Likewise If you find you need additional care outside the realm of midwifery care, such as an obstetrician or consultant, I can, with your consent, 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 East London, Waltham Forest, on the Epping Forest and Essex border. I also provide private midwifery care in Hertfordshire and often in other parts of London as I closely border with many London Boroughs (North, North East and North West).
Can I pay in installments?
Yes. A payment plan can be arranged. Please mention this when you book your consultation and we’ll find an approach 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 manage 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.
Essentially, we’ll help you bring your baby to your chest for 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 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 independent midwife who will be able to support you.
Do you have another question? Contact me.
Ready when you are
Ready to feel calm, supported and heard?
Explore your midwifery care options
No pressure, no commitment - just a chance to talk and see if we’re a good fit for each other.