One-to-one midwifery care at the Wessex Maternity Centre.

Abstract

Independent midwifery practice can offer women greater choice, flexibility and more personalised care than may be available in NHS maternity units. The Wessex Maternity Centre offers continuity of care through paired caseloading by midwives. If women need to go into hospital, there is an arrangement whereby their midwife goes with them and continues to provide care in hospital. 50% of clients at the Centre are primiparae. The Centre's midwives have their own clinical protocols based on up-to-date research and practice.