Trying to decide on a midwife

[artpen]

This is a very hard decision for me!

The first midwife (Charlotte) I consulted with has 17 years experience and is extremely outgoing and friendly. The second one (Debbie) has 30 years of experience, and is more like a motherly type. DH and I felt comfortable with both of them.

The issue is, the second one has another midwife in her practice (I've spoken with her on the phone and she is just as pleasant). Combined, they have 5 - 7 moms a month. Charlotte, the first midwife has 5 - 6 moms a month on her own.

I'm leaning towards Charlotte due to price and location. However, I am nervous that another mom will go into labor at the same time. Has anyone had this happen? Charlotte told me that in her 17 years, this has only happened twice, and she's never missed a birth. I'm a first-timer, and I want her there with me the entire time!

Any recommendations? Thank you!

[ShwarmaQueen]

That's a LOT of moms for one month, isn't it? I would definitely be paranoid about not having her available when I needed her...

Try to find references- have you posted in your tribal area? Others experiences were what ultimately led me to choosing the MW that I did. It counts more than other things IMO.

[beebalmmama]

I am again choosing a midwife, due to our recent move. I just interviewed two yesterday and I'm impressed and comfortable with both. I have a similar concern with the one I am leaning towards. She takes on about 5 a month and has two due within a week of me on either side. She also in her 15 years has only had two births happen at once. Of course she has backup, but I would only know her assistant and not the other midwife if that were to happen.
But for me the other midwife I interviewed is still interning and her mentor midwife (who would be there) has only 3-4 yrs as a CPM. But so far I would be the only woman due at that time and they cap at about 3 a month.
I'm still leaning towards the first midwife because of her experience. This is also my first homebirth. I also liked her personality, more engaging and friendly. Although the laid back and warm personality of the other midwife was very nice too.

Sooo tough isn't it!! Wish I could just take both. I did get referrals for both, but there were more for the one with more experience (could be because she's been practicing longer though).

[artpen]

thank you for the advice!