Finding a homebirth midwife can be a challenge and rightfully so, it is a big decision! The person you select should be someone you absolutely love and feel confident in. Here are the steps I used to find the perfect match for our homebirth journey!
Begin your search:
The very first thing you will need to know is what midwives serve your area. You can simply google midwives in your area and you are bound to get several results to start your search;
However, I found the best way to find all of your midwife options is to take it to a FB group!
Search for a homebirth Facebook group in your nearest metro area. For example, the group in my area is called “NC Homebirth Community”. When you ask for recommendations on a page like this, you will get lots of personal testimonies from momma’s in the area that will be invaluable! Often you are surprised by how many midwives serve your area that you were not even aware of!
Interviewing:
After you have compiled a list of midwives in your area, you will want to start calling and setting up interviews. Go prepared for the meeting with questions that are important to you. Here are some example questions to ask:
- What do prenatal appointments look like and how frequently will we meet?
- What postpartum care is included?
- What is your stance on glucose monitoring?
- What is your stance on various newborn interventions (shots, eye goop, vitamin k, etc.)?
- What is your stance on interventions in labor?
- What is your emergency plan?
- Do you support water birth? Do you supply the tub?
- What is your fee? What materials are included in the fee, if any?
- Who will attend my birth? Do you have an assistant?
- What would happen if my baby was breech? Do you deliver breech babies or do you work with someone who would help?
- How many other mothers do you work with each month?
- How late will you allow me to go beyond my due date and still qualify for homebirth? What induction methods do you use?
Insurance/Cost Analysis:
It’s essential to consider the financial aspect of hiring a homebirth midwife. Inquire about their fee structure, insurance coverage, and any additional costs associated with their services. Depending on the midwifes credentials and affiliations, they may or may not be covered by your insurance. If it is a priority that your insurance cover the fees, be sure to look into this before hiring someone. Something to note is that homebirth is significantly less expensive than hospital births in general. Midwives often charge between $3500-$6500 for all of your prenatal, birth, and postpartum appointments while the cost of an uncomplicated hospital birth is about $25,000.
Credentials and Experience:
Verify the credentials and experience of each midwife you’re considering, and inquire about their experience attending home births, particularly in cases similar to yours. Look for midwives who have a solid track record of providing safe and supportive care to birthing families and ideally have been practicing for a long time. We chose a midwife who had 30 years experience as a homebirth midwife, which was so comforting!
Connection:
Last but certainly not least, trust your instincts and prioritize the connection you feel with each midwife. Homebirth is an intimate and deeply personal experience, and having a strong rapport with your midwife is essential. Choose someone who listens to your concerns, respects your preferences, and makes you feel empowered and supported throughout your pregnancy and birth journey.
Finding the perfect homebirth midwife may take time and effort, but the peace of mind and confidence you’ll gain in knowing you’ve chosen the right person to accompany you on this sacred journey is truly priceless.
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