Checking a midwife's references

[stacey2061]

i just found that my local LLL leader just had a homebirth with my m/w, and she said she'd be happy to talk about it with me. anyway, i have no idea what questions to ask...any help?

[Salihah]

Originally Posted by stacey2061

i just found that my local LLL leader just had a homebirth with my m/w, and she said she'd be happy to talk about it with me. anyway, i have no idea what questions to ask...any help?

I'd ask to hear her birth story. Then ask any questions you think of.

Ask how long the midwife has practiced, how many births, and how many healthy, successful births.

-First Aid and CPR training. If she carries oxygen and first aid supplies and knows how to use them.

-if the local hospital knows her and if she would accompany you if transport was necessary.

-what is her philosophy about pregnancy and birth

-what are your ideas of what you want for your birth? Does she advocate or support these ideas?

-Do you "click" with her? Feel comfortable with her and open to talking together?

-Ask for references. Then contact them and ask them about their prenatal and birth experiences with her.

-What are her plans for prenatal care? What does she do, how, when?

-Will she come to your home BEFORE the birth?

-Payment plans?

Once you get talking to your friend and then meet with the midwife, you'll likely get lots of questions that come to mind. If not, take her number and ask if you can call her later if and when questions come up.

Then visit at least 1 or 2 other midwives and ask the same questions.

[DoomaYula]

ITA with the pp.

Having just attended a difficult homebirth, I'd want to know how long the mw has been practicing, how experienced she is, etc. Also, her apprentice(s), same questions.

And also if your ideas/feelings about birth jive with hers. I feel really strongly against perineal massage and it's really important to me that I have a mw who keeps her hands off my perineum. If I met a midwife who was really into perineal massage, that would be a red flag.

If she does have apprentice(s), who will be doing what -- specifically. I've attended births where the apprentice does almost everything, and the parents had only met her once, and were expecting the mw would be the one who did everything. Ya know? I have a mw now who I've known since my last pregnancy, and I feel strongly that I only want HER (or my dh) to catch the baby. I'm happy for an apprentice to do whatever (heart tones, vitals, urine, etc) but I really want the mw to be the primary.

Money, post-partum time, etc. I live 3 hours from my mw, so I want to know what is her post-partum plan. How long will she stay, when will she be back, etc.

[Salihah]

Post-partum plan...great point!!

YumaDoula, do you mind sharing why you are against perineal massage? I've only had good experiences with it, so I'm curious. Sorry, off topic. Maybe PM me or start another thread.

[stacey2061]

thanks guys, but i already know all that stuff...

this m/w is the only one around, so there aren't any others to interview. everything is set, we're just trying to finalize our decision to go ahead with a homebirth (although we can change our mids at anytime). there's no payment to discuss, as here in Canada we have universal healthcare, which includes midwives and homebirths.

i was mostly just wondering what to ask this woman about her homebirth...anyway, thanks.