"Interviewing" an Independent Midwife. Your top tips, please.

[Ceolas]

I have arranged to meet an IM next week. She's the only one in this area, but I'd like your ideas about what to ask, etc.

Her fees are £2,500. That's about average, isn't it?

That's a lot cheaper than ours was - but we're in London.

Issues I'd raise:

• does she do all antenatal and postnatal appointments? Is she happy to do evening/weekend appointments?
• do you want a home birth?
• what cover does she have in case she is ill or busy when you go into labour? (ours had a couple of other local midwives who would cover - we never needed them, but it's worth knowing)
• are there alternative therapies that she's into, and you're not?
• how good are her contacts at local hospitals, in case you end up there? (I had a cs both times, but the fact our mw knew everyone at the hospital made life easier, anyway)

Ask her about the different types of birth that she has attended. Also ask what happens if there are complications (sorry, not trying to be negative).

Where will you be giving birth? Ask if she does homebirths/hospital births.

Ask how long she's been a midwife, independent or otherwise. Also, is she affliated with anyone any organisation etc?

Ask for references.

Yes, definitely want a homebirth. That's my main reason for hiring an IM. She did mention a 2nd midwife on the phone.

Good point Marsy. Should references be available?

Yes. Anyone worth their salt will have references. I always make sure that my "mums" can talk to others I've worked with. And of course I have a wee reference file.

Also ask how many clients she takes each month - it can vary - the IMW we are using only takes one each month whereas others take up to 3 or 4.

She isnt That young footballers mum is she?
the mixed race guy at Arsenal.

Not as far as I know...

eh? footballers mums?

Yes his mum is an independent midwife. Well recommended too.

Oh. This one has a 12 year old and a 10 year old. Probably not likely!

Message withdrawn

Make sure she isn't going on holiday and don't let her turn your baby.

We didn't look into a IM until near the end and I would have only had about 9 weeks to go, of that she was going to be away for 5 and I would have ended up having someone else deliver the baby. I was feeling uncomfortable and she asked to feel the baby's position. Next thing she had turned the baby. It really hurt and I felt ill all day. It could have caused real problems and with my history could easily have ended in a very bad way.

Other that that. Cost me £50 for the initial meeting and would have been £2500 for the remaining few weeks.

OK it's tonight!

Any last minute suggestions?

Can she suture? You would have thought they all could if they were doing home births but apparently not.

she has cancelled. Hectic day with the weather. Not sure if that is a good sign...

Rearranged for next week.

oh....well, it is very windy.....erm...can she not see you before next week? shame

No. Am assuming she'd battle through if I was in labour!

well, one would hope so !

hey give her a break, the roads are a nightmare and she has lots of pregnant people to get around! of course she would cancel you over anyone else, please don't let that affect your judgement of her.

I had an IM for my last 2 births - she was fab. and the same price as you have quoted. and the mother of the aforementioned footballer who signed for arsenal the week I was due no 4 (which must have been pretty much exactly a year ago incidentally, as I was a bit late and her birthday is the 27th of Jan lol)
I just felt very confident in her the moment I met her - she had a lot of experience of home birth as an IM, and of natural birth in a birthing centre before that, and she generally was great.

go with your gut instinct.