A well-trained and experienced midwife is the icing on the cake for a natural birth either in your own home, at a birthing center, and even some cases in the hospital.  A midwife who has witnessed thousands of natural births understands that birth is natural.  She knows that birth is not to be feared, that it is powerful, and that each woman experiences it differently.  She will not rush to intervene, but will encourage you to listen to your body, and do what it is telling you to do.  She also knows what to do when an emergency arises and can take care of you on the spot or transport you to the nearest hospital in times of true emergency.  Birthing naturally in the care of a trained midwife is possibly the safest way to birth available.  However, you need to use common sense when choosing a midwife.

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  Here are some things that you might want to consider when choosing:

• How many births has she attended.  Two thousand is a good number.  If she has not attended at least that many, you may look for someone else.
• Does she have helpers that can care for you if she is unavailable when you go into labor, and what are the chances of that happening.
• What are her credentials.  Has she worked in the hospital as an RN in labor and delivery, is she a Certified Nurse Midwife, or is she a Direct Entry Midwife.
• Is home birth a legal option in your state or will you have to birth outside of the state or in a hospital or birthing center.
• What types of emergencies has she dealt with successfully, and when does she consider hospital transport mandatory.
• Does she have good references.
• Do you connect well.  She will be spending a considerable amount of time with you throughout pregnancy and labor (as opposed to a doctor, who you will see for only a few minutes during the whole pregnancy), so you want someone you are comfortable with.
• Does your insurance cover her services.
• Does she have knowledge of herbal and natural remedies or does she mostly suggest using over the counter medications to treat you during pregnancy.
• How many deaths have occurred (mother and child) in her care.  Deaths are normal and can be expected during a small percentage of births whether attended by a midwife or a physician.
• Does she seem to have time for you and your concerns.  A good midwife will usually spend about 45 minutes per visit, checking over you and checking the baby’s heart rate and position, doing urine testing, answering questions, and getting to know your preferences.  She will also coach you on healthy eating and exercise during your pregnancy and can guide you toward some books to read during pregnancy.

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Just trust your gut, and don’t settle on anyone until you find the right fit.  Finding someone who cares for you and who is trained and understands birth is one of the best investments you can make for a positive birth experience.  Good luck!