SPHERE OF PRACTICE

A midwife must be able to give necessary guidance and care to women throughout preconception period, pregnancy, labor and postpartum: to conduct deliveries on her own responsibility and to care for the newborn. She can provide safe and natural care for normal birth, preventive measures, detection of abnormal conditions of the mother and child, ability to access medical assistance when necessary medical assistance when necessary and give continuing care. Midwives may practice in clinics, health units, hospitals, homes and/or birth centers.

CHOOSING A MIDWIFE

It is highly recommended that families meet with and carefully check the background and qualifications of potential birth attendants. When possible, it is an excellent idea to interview a number of providers before selecting.  Midwives differ in their training, philosophies, services, and fees.  The best midwives are open about the services they provide, honest regarding their limitations and enthusiastic about their work. Not every midwife is right for every woman and it is important to select a birth attendant whose personality and viewpoints are compatible with yours and whose services best meet your personal expectations.

TOPICS TO DISCUSS

Training -  type, length, setting 

Experience -  number of births and complications handled 

Medical Backup if needed  - with whom, facility and transport plans 

Childbirth Education -  recommended preparation for birth and breastfeeding 

Prenatal and Postnatal Care  - frequency, setting and providers 

Monitoring labor and birth -  what is checked, how often and by whom

Midwife’s Equipment  - birth supplies provided, supplies to be provided by the family and emergency supplies available if needed

Continuing Midwife Education -  professional journals, newsletters, group affiliations, conferences and professional updates

Fee  - amount, who and what is covered, expected payment plan, ability of third party reimbursement

© 2006-2008, Indiana Midwives Association

Web Site was last updated on January 9, 2008.

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