If you want to give birth at home, you will need to find someone to attend your birth. In most cases, a midwife attends home births. There are various types of midwives: Certified Nurse Midwives, Direct Entry Midwives and Certified Professional Midwives. There can be significant differences in both training and experience among these professionals.
Make an appointment to talk to a few midwives. You can get a referral from a friend, or online through the American College of Nurse Midwives or Midwives Alliance of North America. Once you have found a few that offer home births in your area, you will want to talk to them. Asking a few questions can help you find the best professional for your birth.
Questions to Ask the Midwife:
* Where did she receive her training?
* How long has she been a midwife?
* How many births has she attended?
* Is she certified through any organization?
* Does she attend ongoing training, conferences or workshops?
* Does she work alone or in practice with other midwives?
* What is her philosophy regarding birth?
* What is her fee and what is included in the fee?
* How does she handle complications?
* What criteria does she use to determine if a hospital transfer is necessary?
* Does she work with a doctor for problems that may develop?
* What happens if two patients are in labor at the same time?
The answers to these questions can give you some insight into her practice and what to expect. The conversation will also help you become familiar with her personality. If you really seem compatible, she may be perfect for you. Two midwives can have similar training and experience, but be completely different personalities. You will be more comfortable if your personalities mesh.
Be sure to ask about prenatal visits. They may take place in her home or your home. You may be more comfortable having the midwife come to your home for prenatal visits, since this is where you will be giving birth. Your midwife will also have the opportunity to get to know your family prior to the birth.
Prenatal visits with a midwife are similar in some ways to the doctor. She will listen to the baby’s heartbeat and may measure your uterus. There are differences in testing. In general, there are fewer tests performed with a midwife. If you want an ultrasound, glucose tests or other prenatal testing, she can refer you to a lab for testing. Many women who choose home birth prefer to have fewer tests done during the pregnancy. The choice is up to you and your midwife.
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