When should I start looking for a midwife?

Question

I'm planning to start TTC right after the first of the year, and I know I want a midwife for a natural childbirth. When should I begin to look for one - before or after I get pregnant?

Answer 1

after

Answer 2

I would say, start looking for one now. If you're going to be putting your life and your child's life into someones hands -- it will only benefit you to "shop around" for someone who is knowledgeable and who you can trust.

You will want to make sure that your ideas of how you're going to give birth mesh with theirs.

You can probably start by asking your local hospital to see if there's anyone they recommend, or asking your ob/gyn. One thing to keep in mind is that some people at hospitals are prejudiced against midwives, so it might be harder than you think.

You might also want to look at doulas, at http://www.dona.org/. They are birthing companions and they will be able to help you throughout pregnancy as well as birth.

Something else to keep in mind might be natural birth centers.

As for people saying that midwives are not as good as doctors, all I can say is, you can get good and bad ones in both situations.

I wish you the best of luck and happiness with your future pregnancy. :)

Answer 3

I have a GYN who had to discontinue her OB practice since she had her baby girl.  She's wonderful, and took care of me until I became pregnant, after which, she recommended me to a Midwife office.

Your GYN should be able to recommend someone to you...  If not, google your area, and interview or learn about each one available before you get pregnant so you'll have an idea of where you wanna go when you are.

To the reviewer who had a horrible experience w/ midwives.  I am very sorry you had to go through h**l and back to have your baby.  I think there are exceptions in every practice, just like I've had wonderful doctors, and doctors who were horrible and nearly let my cervical dysplasia progress to cervical cancer w/o doing anything about it.  

Midwives are not doctors, but there are many who are very well educated.  In an emergency, they will work in tandem with doctors to achieve the best result - a healthy baby and a happy mommy.  I am also giving birth in a birthing center (part of my hospital) so I get the best of both worlds - a homey, non invasive environment, w/ the option for high quality medical intervention if absolutely necessary.

Good luck in your search & take care

Answer 4

In my state; PA, all midwives are RN's. I just recently switched from a practice of OB's who treated me like a # to midwifery care. I love it. Its a huge difference. And they deliver at the hospital I decided I want to go to. Which I decided b/c of there really good NNICU. Maybe you can start with the hospital and then see if they are associated with any midwives. Some midwives give preconception appointments and also do gyn care so I guess it wouldn't hurt to look now.

Answer 5

I would say before you should have talked to a couple of them but you dont need to see them until after you find out you are pregnant

Answer 6

NEVER...get a real doctor. A Midwife almost killed me and my baby. Also Midwifes have less training then RNs.