Picking a Midwife

[AprylLPN]

Hello all. I would really appreciate your help. My husband and I are trying to concieve our first child. I am a newer LPN, and decided during my OB rotation that I would prefer a midwife and a home birth. I am 26 years old and healthy, so I dont think this will be a problem.

I would like to know how to pick the right midwife. What questions should I ask. What should she provide. What sort of testing (for me or the baby) is neccesary and will she provide this or will I have to go elsewhere. I have done tons of research and reading about natural childbirth and anything else I can get my hands on...I just want to make sure that I pick a qualified midwife to be there for one of the most important days of our lives.

Any and all advice would be GREATLY appreciated. Thanks for your time.

[happy heartsong]

Homebirth by Sheila Kitzinger

Ina May's Guide to Childbirth- Ina May Gaskin

Birthing From Within- Pam England

forums on Motheringdotcom or midwifery today

Gentle Birth Choices- Barbara Harper

All these sources will give you ideas of what questions to ask

CPM's have good training

Ask about what is important to you. What do you want your midwife to know or have experience about?

Testing or other procedures are a matter of informed choice. The midwife should inform you or help you to resources to educate yourself. You will be taking responsibility for deciding what is right for you with her input.