Where to start when it comes to homebirths?!

[OoogumBoogum]

I'm pregnant for the first time! 15weeks and counting but what I'm wondering is how do I start to look for either a birth center or a midwife? I've been doing some research online about it but... I feel so overwhelmed and I just dunno where to start! Is there any good birthing centers in the Twin Cities? Or how do I start looking for a midwife? I just have no Idea where to start... lol

[eabbmom]

I like the Navelgazing Midwife's blog and the blogs entitled "Interviewing a Homebirth Midwife". If I had had a clue I would have followed up on references for my midwives. I think it is important to do a lot of reading. I liked Ina Mays Guide to Childbirth and Birthing From Within. I don't have any advice for the Twin Cities though... Good Luck on your quest!

[Alenushka]

I would read statistic for HB in your state. CDC Wonder database.

I would also see who regulates MW. 

If your MW is CNM it would be a the Nursing Board, so you can see if there any sanctions of complaints.

Then see who regulates CPMs or LMs in your state. Is there any way to see their records.

Yelp.com can be good.

What are malpractice insurance regulations of the MW in your state. If something goes wrong and your child requires lifelong care, will the MW have coverage which will provide for your child?

Navel Gazing Midwfie blog has very good entry on how to interview a MW.

[fayebond]

I would find someplace where there are alot of large families and ask those mamas.  After multiple children, you get lots of experience in birth and in finding care providers.  The find your tribe section of this website is good, but the internet is kinda fickle when it comes to these kinds of recommendations, sometimes it works and other times it doesn't.  Also, a homeschool group (yes its a stereotype but sometimes those work for a reason), or a church that has no Sunday school (harder to find but again, its likely to be a group of people with larger than usual families).  I found mine via the last one, several women who have done homebirths used Adele Rose and liked her alot.  I don't live near you, though, so that's not exceptionally helpful.  :)  

[JamieCatheryn]

Here is a thread where people gave their recommendations on this board: http://www.mothering.com/community/t/1340097/homebirth-midwife-in-twin-cities-area