Things I'm planning to ask when the time comes, perfect answer listed below the question, haven't really completed this list or the exact phrasing, but maybe bumping the thread up will get you some better responses:
What do you feel is the midwife's role in birth?
:"A midwife is there in case the normal process of birth goes badly or if the mother loses confidence in the normal process of birth. Ideally, as a midwife, all I do at a birth is help set up the birth area and clean up afterwards. I am proud of myself when I'm able to encourage a mother to make her birth easier, but I like it even better when I'm not necessary. Of course, I also think knowing what to do in a true emergency is important."
Have you had transfers and why?
:Here I'm looking for just a feel that the transfers were necessary for the women involved and that they aren't all for the same thing.
What's your policy on vaginal exams?
:"I prefer not to do them at all unless the mother asks or there is some specific indication that they are necessary. Regardless of indications, I never ever do a VE while a woman is in her laboring place, I wait for her to come back out so I can discuss it with her."
Tell me about perineal massage, what can be done to prevent or reduce tearing?
:"Perineal massage probably does nothing, sorry to tell you. Many women find it helpful to have pressure on their buttocks, at the base of their spine, but I try to only touch women as much as they want. There isn't really a way to prevent tearing, but letting your body push on it's own and getting into an upright position should reduce the possibility of tearing. Most minor tears only require that you keep your legs together. If you do tear enough to need stitches, I can take care of that in your home."
Basically, I want a midwife who'll talk *me* into a hands-off birth. I've read some stories on here of midwives who talked a good line about not interferring but ended up bullying their clients. Neutral, open-ended questions.
I'm going to let dh handle the safety questions.
What do you feel is the midwife's role in birth?
:"A midwife is there in case the normal process of birth goes badly or if the mother loses confidence in the normal process of birth. Ideally, as a midwife, all I do at a birth is help set up the birth area and clean up afterwards. I am proud of myself when I'm able to encourage a mother to make her birth easier, but I like it even better when I'm not necessary. Of course, I also think knowing what to do in a true emergency is important."
Have you had transfers and why?
:Here I'm looking for just a feel that the transfers were necessary for the women involved and that they aren't all for the same thing.
What's your policy on vaginal exams?
:"I prefer not to do them at all unless the mother asks or there is some specific indication that they are necessary. Regardless of indications, I never ever do a VE while a woman is in her laboring place, I wait for her to come back out so I can discuss it with her."
Tell me about perineal massage, what can be done to prevent or reduce tearing?
:"Perineal massage probably does nothing, sorry to tell you. Many women find it helpful to have pressure on their buttocks, at the base of their spine, but I try to only touch women as much as they want. There isn't really a way to prevent tearing, but letting your body push on it's own and getting into an upright position should reduce the possibility of tearing. Most minor tears only require that you keep your legs together. If you do tear enough to need stitches, I can take care of that in your home."
Basically, I want a midwife who'll talk *me* into a hands-off birth. I've read some stories on here of midwives who talked a good line about not interferring but ended up bullying their clients. Neutral, open-ended questions.
I'm going to let dh handle the safety questions.
