What to Look for in a Midwife

If you want a midwife to care for you during both pregnancy and labor/delivery, you should start looking for someone earl y on. Since you will clearly rely on this person to guide you in the right direction during pregnancy and childbirth, you should take some time to consider the qualifications of the midwife you choose. Only then can you make a well-educated decision.

Find Out About the Educational Background

Not all midwives have the same education, and some may not even be formally educated at all. While there are certainly some reputable midwives who have learned on-the-job, those with a formal education are usually the most sought after. You should know that nurse-midwives can act as both nurses and midwives, but to do so, they must become certified. Keep in mind that certified nurse-midwives (CNM) usually help women give birth in hospitals or perhaps birthing centers. On the other hand, direct-entry midwives usually need to become certified in different skills. Certified professional midwives (CPM) can help women give birth at home. So before you choose a midwife, be sure to consider where you wish to give birth, and then find the appropriate type of midwife with the right certification.

Get Reviews

You are also encouraged to find out what past patients have thought about the care they have received. Many women are happy to talk about their birth experience, and if they liked their midwife, they will usually let you know. Therefore, it can be quite helpful to ask mothers you know whether they have used a midwife, and whether they liked the one they chose. Whether they have good recommendations or urge you to stay away from a particular midwife, you should find out the reasoning before making a decision.

Arrange an Interview

One of the best ways to find out what each midwife offers is to set up interviews before making a decision. You can use this time to find out the basic philosophy of each midwife. For example, find out what she thinks about using pain medication during labor, especially if you plan to use it. You should also find out her thoughts on cesarean sections, induction, and certain tests that you may request during pregnancy. After all, you want to choose a midwife who is onboard with your decisions so you can get the support you need during both pregnancy and childbirth.

Consider the Answers You Have

Once you find out a little more about each midwife, you can make a decision. In general, you need to find someone who is properly trained for this job, can perform the birth at the location you desire, and shares most of your beliefs about pregnancy and childbirth. Conducting an interview and getting reviews can help you find out this information.

Peter Wendt is a writer and researcher living in Austin, Texas. Over the years he has become an authority on top midwife in Austin. If you would like to learn more about this subject, then the author recommends a visit to AustinABCSouth.com.