F/U to Choosing a Homebirth Midwife

Re: F/U to Choosing a Homebirth Midwife

• barnwife member

  July 2012

  I probably am not going to be much help. When I chose our MW while pregnant with J., I googled to find a homebirth midwife. Then I did lots of research on homebirth before our consultation. (DH had asked me to consider it.)
  
  I went in without any specific questions. Despite having used the same MW for both pregnancies I still don't know her transfer rate. I think I said something like "tell me about yourself" and we went from there.
  
  I just know that DH and I both felt like we "clicked" at our consultation. And so we went with her.
  
  One of the Bradley method books has a section of questions and answers for caregivers. (That is, answers that would be along the lines of a pro-natural birth provider.) But any HB MW is pro-natural birth, so maybe that's not much help. It may be a place to start though.
  
  GL!

  
  

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• ABeautifulMind member

  July 2012

  barnwife:

  I probably am not going to be much help. When I chose our MW while pregnant with J., I googled to find a homebirth midwife. Then I did lots of research on homebirth before our consultation. (DH had asked me to consider it.)
  
  I went in without any specific questions. Despite having used the same MW for both pregnancies I still don't know her transfer rate. I think I said something like "tell me about yourself" and we went from there.
  
  I just know that DH and I both felt like we "clicked" at our consultation. And so we went with her.
  
  One of the Bradley method books has a section of questions and answers for caregivers. (That is, answers that would be along the lines of a pro-natural birth provider.) But any HB MW is pro-natural birth, so maybe that's not much help. It may be a place to start though.
  
  GL!

  THIS!  I asked all the general questions, but it was how we felt when we left our consults that we knew which HBMW we wanted to go with.  
  

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• Jcrab

  July 2012

  FWIW, my MW's transfer rate is 8% once a woman starts labor; the most common reasons for transfer were for pain management or failure to progress. I would also ask what things would make you not a candidate for home birth.

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• Noethola member

  July 2012

  I think as long as the percentage seems low to you, then stick with that. Under 10% is generally good. It doesnt have to be a number, but whatever the transfer rate, I would ask her the reasons behind them. Our midwife had very few transfers for emergency medical reason, so that made me comfortable. Im with the PPs. You just kinda know.

  I started out with "What is your philosophy of pregnancy and birth?" Most of my questions were answered just through that. Also asked her how many clients she took a month. She took 2 a month, but she covers a LARGE area (3 hr radius), and she wanted to make sure each was well taken care of and she didnt double book.

  I also asked her what her expectations were of me. She said she had never been asked that question (having delivered over 1000 babies) and she thought it a really good one. Knowing what the midwife expects of you will help you as you decide if the fit is good.

  Hope that helps and good luck on the hunt!

  **As for books, read Ina May Gaskin's book Ina May's Guide to Childbirth. She gives a lot of stats on her practice that can help you find a good rate to base your opinion on. Its also just a fun read for pro-natural birth moms and those who want to birth at home. 

  
  

  
  

  
  

   
  

  "Elsie Irene was born sleeping at 35w 6d on December 8, 2012. Mommy and Daddy miss you sweet girl."

  
  

  
  

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