How to find the best midwife for your home birth

You've done your homework and understand the numerous benefits of having a home birth—fewer medical interventions, reduced risk of infections, lower cesarean rates, and improved breastfeeding outcomes. Confident in your body's strength and health, you're ready to find the support you need for this journey. But how exactly do you find the right midwife for a home birth? Here's a simple guide on how to get you started.

Before you begin

There are three main kinds of midwives:

• Hospital Midwives: The midwives who work in the hospital. 99% of the time, they do not offer home births and work in a hospital setting. They are called Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM).

• Home Birth Midwives: Most states have midwives certified by the North American Registry of Midwives. They don't work for the hospital and usually have a private midwifery practice or work at a birth center.

• Birth Center Midwives: Birth centers usually employ both CNMs and CPMs. Some birth centers offer home births, and some don't.

  
  

According to the American College of Nurse Midwives, as of 2024, there are 14,000 nurse midwives in the United States. According to the North American Registry of Midwives, there are about 4,700 CPMs in the United States. So, there are far more hospital-based nurse midwives than home-birth midwives. So, if you're looking for a home birth, you'll probably look for a CPM using the steps below.

1. Begin with an online search

Start by conducting an online search using Google or your preferred search engine. Most modern home birth practices have an online presence, making them easy to find. Use straightforward search terms like "home birth midwife near me" to locate practices in your area. This initial search will provide a list of potential midwives to consider.

Note: If you search for "midwife near me," you might get results from Google for midwives currently working for a hospital.

2. Explore and evaluate websites

Once you have a list of potential home birth midwives, visit their websites to learn more about them. Pay attention to:

• Mission Statements: What are their core values and philosophies? Make sure they align with your values.

• Services Offered: Do they provide the specific support you're looking for?

• Professionalism and Trustworthiness: Does the website convey a sense of professionalism? Do you feel like you can trust them?

  
  

Consider bookmarking two or three websites that resonate with you. Reading online reviews on platforms like Google can provide additional insights into others' experiences with these midwives. Also, check if they have blogs, podcasts, or active social media profiles to understand their practice and approach better.

3. Schedule consultations and trust your instincts

Arrange consultations with the midwives who stand out to you. This meeting is your opportunity to ask questions and gauge whether they're the right fit for you. The best midwives will also evaluate if you're a good fit for them; sometimes, they're so busy that they can only take a few clients due a month.

During the consultation, consider the following:

• Comfort Level: Do you feel at ease with them? Are they listening attentively?

• Understanding and Support: Do they respect your birth plan and preferences?

• Communication Style: Are they open, transparent, and willing to discuss various scenarios?

  
  

Discuss practical matters like their payment structure and insurance policies. Home births are typically less expensive than hospital births, but it's essential to understand the costs involved and how they align with your budget. Don't hesitate to ask detailed questions about how they handle pregnancy situations like pregnancy complications or hospital transfers. A good midwife will provide clear, evidence-based information and support your decision-making process.

4. Move quickly

   
   

If you're familiar with hiring people in a workplace setting where good talent is not easy to come by, you know that you have to move quickly when hiring good people. The same can be true about hiring a good midwife. Each city and local market is different; however, if your local market places a high demand on midwives, you want to make sure you make a decision quickly. As a midwifery practice, there have been a few occasions where we had to turn would-be clients away because we had exceeded our capacity for that month.

It's okay to take a week or so to make a decision. However, if it takes you a few weeks or months, that could be too long. Don't rush, yet give it your full attention when considering your would-be midwife.