Midwives have recently grown in popularity, and choosing the right one can feel confusing. If you have a list of names of midwives near you, you need to determine some criteria so that you work with the right one.
So how do you know whether a midwife suits you and your family? Here’s what to look for when choosing a midwife.
Does the Midwife Make You Feel Comfortable?
You’re vulnerable during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, which is why you need someone you’re comfortable with. A midwife should make you feel at ease so that you can openly express your questions, concerns, or fears.
You don’t want someone who seems to judge you when you raise your fears. Ergo, if the person doesn’t ease your tension, they’re not the right one for you.
Cultural Sensitivity
If you’re giving birth in a culture that’s not your own, you should get a midwife that’s conversant with your culture. Sometimes, you can anticipate practices that may arise, but other times, the unexpected can happen. For this reason, your care provider should be aware of the norms that surround pregnancy, birth, and infant care in your culture.
You can raise this conversation with your midwife to know if they have experience working with international families. Having an open conversation about this topic will let you assess their suitability for your needs.
Experience
A midwife should have the experience needed to deal with a wide range of issues that normally arise during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Ensure that they give you emotional support and take care of your physical health.
A qualified midwife should have the needed expertise to handle postpartum mood disorders and other issues, such as breastfeeding assistance. Assess if they have experience handling postpartum anxiety and depression and how connected they are to the right professionals.
Certifications
Although midwives aren’t doctors, they’re highly trained health-care professionals. That’s why it’s important to find one with certifications and licenses in your state. Ensure that they have state and national certifications and are a registered nurse in an institution accredited by the American College of Nurse-Midwives.
A certified midwife will give you the peace of mind you need to bring your baby into the world since you’ll know you’re working with a medical professional trained in pregnancy and delivery.
All things considered, knowing what to look for when choosing a midwife will make it easier to choose the best from your list of possible midwives.
