An INDEPENDENT MIDWIFE is a qualified and registered midwife who works outside the NHS.  He or she works as an autonomous practitioner providing full midwifery care for a small number of women each year.  They are often members of the Independent Midwives' Association, although membership is not compulsory.

All midwives, whether independent or employed by the NHS, are bound by the rules and standards laid down by the Nursing and Midwifery Council (NMC).  Every midwife must be qualified and have a current registration with the NMC in order to practise.  Each midwife must also have a named "supervisor of midwives" who will meet with them on a regular