Closure of private midwife service may lead to rise in free births, group warns

The Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services (AIMS) Ireland warned that the closure could lead women trying for free births without medical assistance. File picture

A private midwifery service for Ireland which offered homebirth supports has suddenly closed for financial reasons, saying fewer families than ever can afford their help.

The closure of Private Midwives Ireland means homebirths with midwives are now only available through HSE services, which are not in every county yet. The Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services (AIMS) Ireland warned it could lead women trying for free births without medical assistance.

Private Midwives Ireland is part of UK-based Private Midwives, which is also closing.

“Unfortunately, the current financial and political climate has made trading conditions exceedingly tough, and it has become increasingly costly to provide the service; whilst at the same time, fewer families can afford our service,” the group said.

Births and pregnancy support costs from €6,000, with add-ons available, such as €260 for use of a birthing pool. Other packages included single appointments for €250. 

The company is contacting all clients, and pledged to reach everyone within 48 hours.

We will also aim to bring the business to a close with dignity, fairness and respect for our loyal staff who have been on this journey with us over the past decade.

Alternative arrangements will be made for births, it said. Women shared their sadness online as the news spread. 

“What a big loss to the birth world. Eternally grateful to Gail from Private Midwives Ireland, who helped to facilitate a magical experience for me and contributed to a fantastic start to life for my homebirth baby six years ago,” one woman said.

Maternity advocacy group AIMS Ireland reacted with “great shock and disappointment” on Wednesday.

In a country lacking options and choices for the majority, this is a further blow and will leave many with no alternative but to pursue wild pregnancy and free birth.

“This is a valid choice, however it is not a decision a pregnant woman should ever feel forced to pursue because of a lack of viable alternatives. With our current escalating intervention rates in hospitals, this may be the safer choice now for many hoping to pursue a physiological birth and avoid policy-driven pregnancies, labours, and birth.” 

AIMS is offering support to women affected.

“A radical overhaul of our hyper-medicalised birth culture is required,” AIMS said, and also called for alternative insurance pathways for midwives.