Hello lovely ladies,

We've just made the decision to HB... yay!! I was really keen but DH took a little convincing - a fairly common situation from what I've read :)

Anyways, it's my second child and I'm 10 weeks pregnant at the moment. Due late Oct/early Nov. Living in SE suburbs of Melbourne.

I've started to get in touch with a local doula and two local midwives who I like the website/reputation of. Also have the support of a fabulous friend who had her son at home nearly 3 years ago.

What do I do now? What should I be asking and who? Super excited but don't quite know where to start :)

Your wisdom very much appreciated!

*hugs*
Lucy.

Overall you need to remember that it's really not any different to birthing elsewhere in terms of what you need to know or ask.

One main thing though, is to ask under what circumstances will your midwife recommend a transfer to hospital either during pregnancy or birth. Some midwives will have a list of what they 'won't do' and you need to make sure that yours and their list correspond IYKWIM.

One main thing is to consider whether you'll be wanting a waterbirth or not, and making your arrangements for a pool and associated stuff.

Good luck!

Hey Lucy!

Sorry for the late reply, I'm not around all that much at the moment, but congrats!! Wow, what a great decision.

Okay, some of the things I advise is ask around, talk to any of the previous women the midwives and doulas have supported - see what the word on the street is

There are quite a few websites that support home birthing, they have heaps of info.

As for asking questions, what do you want to know? Everyone has different things they want to know. Different things will crop up as you go on, so feel free to ask away!

Most of the common questions to ask your potential midwives/doulas -

How do they handle different situations?
What are their transfer rates?
Costs and what that will get you/cover?
In case of transfer, what will happen? Will they support you in hospital/while you need or want them?
What do they cover/not cover - eg. GD, breech, twins, etc
Are they insured? (If they are insured, they may only cover certain situations as in accordance with their insurance compaines rules) Same if they are one of the few who have agreements with hospital/OBs.
Are they hands on or off?
Are they woman-supported or medical-supported?
Do they support your choice of testing or not testing?
Do they perform VEs? Will they discuss why/why not?
Are they available 24/7?
What are their breastfeeding rates like?
Do they supply their own pools if you want one?
What do they supply? My midwife brought towels and sheets, etc.

But mostly - do they 'click' with you? Take the time to see if you have a good feeling. Its amazing how many women 'know' if their midwife is 'the one' and which ones aren't!


ETA - lol Krill! Snap!

Just wanted to add - My personal opinion is that any midwife or doula that charges for an initial consult/meet and greet is one to avoid.

Thank you for your replies!

That list of questions is certainly food for thought and I'll give them a closer going over before I meet my first midwife on Wednesday.

Freakypet - you mentioned websites. Any that are particularly good (or that should be avoided!)?

Thanks

all the midwives I spoke to in WA charged for an initial appt, but you didnt pay if you went ahead with them. (it was covered in the cost). They only did this as they travel quite long distances and it helps cover their fuel and time. I was happy to do this (we went ahead with our first midwife anyway!)

I figure i'd still have to pay to see a dr, even if i didnt like them...