How to choose your midwife.

Congratulations on your pregnancy!

It's completely normal to have a lot of questions and concerns during this exciting time. Midwives are trained professionals who can provide valuable guidance and support throughout your pregnancy journey and beyond.

Not sure what to look for or what questions to ask when choosing a midwife? No worries, we've got you covered during this exciting and nerve-wracking time!

Choosing a midwife is a significant decision, as you want someone highly competent to care for you and your little one throughout and after pregnancy. Additionally, finding a midwife you can connect with and who communicates well is essential.

Find your Midwife is a great starting point, you can choose your region, any language preferences, availability and any other preferences you may have.

To help you make the best choice for you and your baby, we've put together a list of questions you may want to consider asking when choosing your midwife.

• How long have you been practicing as a midwife?

• What types of births do you typically attend, such as home births, hospital births, or birthing center births?

• How do you approach pain management during labour?

• Will you be the primary midwife overseeing my care, or do you work as part of a team?

• Will you be the primary midwife during my postnatal care or is there another midwife that will take care of us?

• Can you tell me more about the services you provide during the postpartum period?

• What is your philosophy on birth and postnatal care?

• How do you handle complications or transfers to an obstetrician, if necessary?

• Are you available for questions and support outside of regular office hours?

• How many women do you usually care for at the same time?

• What additional support or resources do you offer?

• How do you involve partners or support persons during the birth process?

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?

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.

Once you've made your decision, you'll more than likely have a bunch more questions you'll want answered throughout your pregnancy.

To help, we have put together a handy list of questions you may like to take with you and ask your midwife;

• When is my due date?

• When and how often will I have scans?

• What other tests and screenings will I need to have during pregnancy?

• Can I bring my partner to my appointments with me?

• Are the symptoms I am experiencing normal?/Should I be experiencing any specific symptoms?

• Can I continue to exercise?

• Should I change my diet?

• If I have an urgent question out of hours, who I can call?

• Where are my local antenatal classes held?

• When should we begin these classes and what do they involve?

• Do you help writing a birth plan?

• What pain relief options are available during labour, and what are their potential side effects?

• What are the signs that labour is starting, and when should I call you or go to the hospital?

• Can you explain the stages of labour and what to expect during each stage?

• What are some natural techniques for coping with labour pain?

• Where can I find out more about alternative birth plans/options?

• Are there any books or websites on pregnancy and newborns that you would recommend?

• What will happen if I am overdue?

• What happens if I need to have any interventions?

• Do I stay under your care, if I need to be transferred under an obstetrician?

• What are the benefits of breastfeeding, and how to I contact a lactation consultant if I need one?

• How do I prepare for breastfeeding, and what can I do to increase my chances of success?

• What are the typical postnatal recovery timelines, and how can I best take care of myself during this period?

• What signs should I watch out for that might indicate postnatal depression or anxiety?

• Once we are at home, how often will both my baby and I see you?

Of course, you will have many more questions you would like to ask and maybe some more specific questions based on your medical history but we hope that the above gives you a little breakdown.

Remember that no question is silly or embarrassing and the chances are that your midwife will have already been asked the same question a hundred times before!

Enjoy your journey, you got this!!