If you've recently become pregnant and are excited to partner with a midwife to help you through this journey, there are multiple ways of finding the right one. Your family doctor may be able to recommend a few midwives in the area, while you can also visit different websites to learn about their philosophies and what they offer. For many women, it's a good idea to talk to a few friends or family members who have recently used the services of a midwife. They'll be able to give you some insight into their experiences, which can help you to choose the right midwife for you. Be sure to cover these topics during this process.

Sharing Your Information

Being pregnant, especially for the first time, can be an uncertain time in which you have plenty of questions. A midwife should be able to answer all of your questions in a helpful, informative, and non-rushed manner, so it's important to partner with someone who can do so. Ask your friends about their experiences with obtaining information from their midwives. For example, if a particular friend tells you how her midwife took the time to patiently answer each of her questions — thus increasing her confidence and easing her anxiety — this may be a good midwife to work with.

Understanding Your Birth Location Options

Women typically have multiple options when it comes to choosing where they wish to give birth. While many women visit hospitals with their midwives, others prefer to give birth at home with their midwives right beside them. When you talk to your friends, ask them about how informed they felt regarding the different birth location options that were available to them. For example, it's important for a midwife to clearly explain all of the pros and cons of each location so that the woman can decide what is best for her.

Emotional Support Availability

Having a midwife means that you have someone who can provide emotional support as you navigate the various feelings that can occur during pregnancy. Talk to your friends to get a feel for how their respective midwives helped them emotionally. For example, one friend might tell you how she struggled with emotional issues while she was pregnant, and that her midwife would frequently check in with her to see how she was doing. If you feel that you might be in the same emotional situation, working with this type of midwife can be a good decision.