Choosing the Right Midwife
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When you find out you’re pregnant, you automatically start planning out the future and wondering what life will be like after your baby is born. While you may be thinking what kind of maternity pyjamas will be the most comfortable, or whether or not it’ll be a boy or a girl, one decision you need to think about is whether or not you want to have your child in a hospital or if you want your child born at home.
If you choose to have your baby at home, then you have to choose the right midwife to help you during the delivery. This is an extremely important decision, so make sure you take your time and ask the right questions when choosing a midwife.
Do Your Research
If you want to have your child at home instead of at a hospital, it is vital that you do all the necessary research to find a midwife who is suitable and who you are comfortable with.
You first may want to look into your own family history. Find out whether or not there are specific medical issues that you may encounter, or if extra attention may be needed during the pregnancy. Talk to your family members who have had children and ask them about their experiences. Also, talk to both a healthcare physician and a midwife so you hear both sides of the argument.
Ask Questions
When you have done your research and start your search for a midwife, make sure you ask the right questions. You should treat it like a job interview. Ask the midwife if she is licensed and certified, and how many years of experience she has. You also may want to ask how she got involved in the profession and whether or not she is in contact with a hospital and healthcare physicians.
Make sure she is prepared to handle any situation. There are an endless amount of questions you can ask a midwife before you feel comfortable with one, so don’t hesitate to ask. The more questions you ask, the better you will understand the potential midwife, and the more comfortable you will feel when you find the right one.
References
Like previously mentioned, treat the midwife search like a job interview. Part of an interview is checking up on your midwife’s references. It is not only important to feel comfortable with your midwife, but it is vital to make sure that her references check out and her past clients have been pleased with her pre-natal care and are willing to recommend her.
Fees
Before making the decision about the right midwife, make sure you ask about fees. Experienced midwives may have higher fees than those who are relatively newer to the field. Make sure you ask each potential midwife for their price range to find out whether or not they are experienced or new.
Choosing the right midwife is extremely important, so take your time when making this decision. After this is sorted you can worry about the little things, like picking the right maternity clothing or teddy bear.
