when to start looking for a midwife

[whirlwind]

Hi there. I'm new to Mothering.com and love it so far. Although we are not TTC just yet, we are set on a homebirth with a midwife, assuming all goes as planned.

When should we begin to find a midwife? Is it too premature to find one we are comfortable with now if we're not TTC for another year? Should we wait until we are pregnant? When is the right time to start exploring our options?

Thanks!

[MidwifeErika]

I have had people interview me while they were TTC or shortly before TTC. This can be nice. However, remember that circumstances could very well change before you become pregnant. The midwife may fill her schedule or be scheduled to take your due time off, she may become pregnant herself, she may move or quit midwifery, etc. Some midwives meet with women while TTC and others do not. Also, what seems important to you now may change over the next year and suddenly you might feel the need to interview everyone again.... I think that is really why some midwives don't like to do interviews with women who are not currently pregnant..... they may end up putting in 2 or 3 interviews plus email and phone questions with someone who ends up deciding to go with someone else anyhow.

[MsBlack]

Yes to all Erika said--plus, it kind of depends on your area, how much demand the midwives are in.  You might want to start by finding that out, which info should help you figure out when to begin.

[whirlwind]

Thanks so much, this helps a lot. I'm a planner, so wanted to check it out in advance. We're located in NJ -- I don't honestly feel midwives are in high-demand around my area, but I'll make a few calls to check it out. Thanks again!

[CBEmomma]

You could start interviewing now. If you find one you like you could keep her in mind and then also have another one you like for back up just in case. When I had my homebirth I picked my Midwife out while TTCing. Luckily it worked out fine for me and she attended my birth. Good luck in your TTC journey and Midwifery journey :)

[whirlwind]

Thanks so much for all of your advice!