Not sure what to look for or what questions to ask when choosing a midwife?

We’ve put together a comprehensive list you can sift through or simply ask the lot at this exciting and nerve-wracking time!

Choosing a midwife is a big decision. You want someone who is highly competent caring for you and bubs throughout and after pregnancy. You’ll also want someone who you can relate well with and is a good communicator. To help you make the best choice for you and bubs, we’ve put together a list of questions you may want to ask when choosing a midwife.

What to Ask When Choosing a Midwife 

In New Zealand, all practicing midwives must be registered with the Midwifery Council of New Zealand. Midwives can be employed by hospitals or be in private practice, offering free care to all eligible NZ women. Your chosen midwife will be known as your LMC or Lead Maternity Carer and will oversee all your care from conception through to six weeks after birth.

To help you with your decision, here are some questions you may consider asking your potential midwife:

• Will you be the only carer, or are there other midwives in your practice that will be working with me too?
• How can I contact you out of hours?
• Where will our appointments take place?
• Are you comfortable with a home birth, hospital birth or birthing centre birth?
• At what stages would you call in an OBGYN?
• Can I talk with other Mums who have worked with you?
• How will you manage my pain during the birth?
• Who will cover you if you are unavailable at the birth?
• Will a student midwife be involved in my care?
• What type of care can you offer?
• What is your childbirth philosophy?
• What happens if I am not happy with the care I am receiving?
• How many other women will you be working with at the same time as me?
• How many births do you attend each year?

Then there are the questions you will want to answer yourself after meeting with them:

• Do I get a good vibe or feeling from them?
• Are they easy to talk with?
• Do I feel comfortable being with them?
• Does my partner feel comfortable with them?
• Am I happy with their level of experience?
• Were their answers appropriate?

Choosing a midwife is an important decision, so take your time. Feel free to meet with several midwives before making your choice and chat with other new Mums about their experiences. We’d also invite you to join our supportive Facebook group, filled with expecting and new parents who are more than happy to offer advice and ideas. Our Sleepytot Blog is also packed full of advice for expecting and new parents, and of course our Sleepytot Shop is bursting with useful baby products!

We’re so excited for you! If we can help you at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.