Choosing a midwife

[nfbmom]

I have two to choose from that are within 10 min of my home. I have a bunch of other really good ones if I want to go more than an hour away but I have very quick labors so I'd rather stick with the two.

I know both of them fairly well. The one is a grandmother type, has been delivering for 25+ years, is soft and caring and I really enjoy being around her. The only drawback is that she doesn't know much about herbs.

The other is young, about 28 but has been a midwife for about 10 so her experience is still really good. She is a bit quiet and hard to get to know but is super knowledgeable especially about herbs. I've heard she is either hands on or not at all, depending on what you want. She is even ok about UC.

So I don't know which one to pick. I really like the first ladies personality but due to my PTL and other history it would be really nice to have someone that knows herbs. Because I know them both and they know me, I don't want to meet with both of them and then have to tell one that I'm not going with her.

So wwyd?

[Robynee]

I am very envious! I have to travel at least 45 min to see a midwife. I live in a city too. Go figure.(Stupid hospitals with their "once a c/s, always a c/s")
I think you have a real tough choice, although, I personally would go with the one I would feel most comfortable with during labor. I also would consider interviewing both. Even though you know them, I'm sure that as professionals they would understand.

[an_evans]

We only have one team here so that makes it weasy. One of the two of them- mother and daughter- is my one of my best friends so that makes it easy!

I will schedule a consultation with both and see what your intuition tells you.

[JERENAUD]

I'm jealous of all of you who have options. My nearest midwife is about 3 1/2 HOURS away - not a great option when I have a 2 year old to think about. I'm in northern Alberta, and midwifery is not covered. There seems to be a strong 'medical model' here (I've only been here 1 year). The hospital is still the old way - you labour in one room, deliver in another, then get moved again. The only doctor who does deliveries *and* who accepts new patients is 20 minutes away, which means driving my husband 1/2 an hour in the other direction so that I can have the truck. I'm going to try to convince the local doctor to see me until near the end, then I'll just deal wiht whomever is on call for the actually delivery.

Sorry for the vent, I realize that it doesn't help you at all in your choice. (though personally I'd go for the woman that you're most comfortable with) but it raised an ongoing issue for me!

Erica

[LisaMcB]

:irked: Georgia's a legal nightmare when it comes to homebirth. I just called one that is about 45 minutes - 1 hour away from us (near ATL). Good thing I found out that she delivered the last child of someone I know. She's willing to drive 45 minutes here, which is good. We don't have an appt until Jan 3rd because of my DH's schedule with music stuff and the fact that I'm not that far along.

I have to be careful because some of the people I work with and that are long-time friends are very anti-homebirth and some work for DFACs. I am going to ask her how to answer "those" questions. Thank goodness for this board because I'd be at a loss besides my DH.

Blessings to everyone!