How to Hire a Midwife or Doula

Being pregnant is a life-altering transition. Your questions and concerns will grow right along with the new life in your belly. Many women are finding the answers and reassurance they need with nurse-midwives and doulas (labor coaches).

Things You'll Need

• Recommendations
• American College of Nurse-Midwives contact info

Instructions

Finding a midwife

1. Decide if you want a midwife instead of a physician to provide prenatal care and attend your birth. Check out MidwifeInfo.com to explore the differences between the two. Midwives generally approach birth with a holistic, natural, no-intervention-unless-necessary policy. Midwives deliver babies at home as well as in hospitals.

2. Find a certified nurse-midwife in your area by contacting the American College of Nurse-Midwives (midwife.org). You can also check with your local women's health center, or contact the hospital where you plan to give birth and ask for a list of midwives who have privileges there.

3. If you plan to give birth at home, you need to find a direct-entry midwife. Licensing and regulation vary from state to state; ask your obstetrician or your local women's health center, or search online for a midwife certified to practice in your area.

4. Schedule preliminary appointments with various midwives until you find one with whom you feel truly comfortable. Ask about her experience and training, her attitudes toward pregnancy and birth, how she handles complications, and if her services are covered by your health plan (see How to Get Health Insurance).

Finding a doula

1. Hire a doula if you want a well-trained person to coach you alongside the obstetrician and/or want round-the-clock care during labor and birth. Doulas advocate for the mother and provide vigilant emotional, physical and educational support to her with specific assistance with positioning, massage and other pain-management techniques. Doulas are also available after the birth. This "fourth-trimester" care is geared specifically for the mother so that she can take care of the baby. A doula comes to your home, answers any questions you have about your baby, helps you learn to breast-feed successfully, makes sure you get food and rest, and may even do light housekeeping.

2. Ask your doctor, friends or co-workers for recommendations, or contact Doulas of North America (dona.org) for a referral.

3. Interview your choices carefully, following the same guidelines as for a midwife. Look for someone you trust to back up your choices while making you feel comfortable and secure.

Tips & Warnings

• Studies have shown that healthy women with no pregnancy complications are in equally good hands with an OB-GYN or a certified midwife. Other studies find that women who use doulas have shorter labors with fewer complications.

• All midwives work with an obstetrician for consultations and backup. It's a good idea to meet the obstetrician before your due date.

• Interested in delivering your baby at a birth center? Contact the National Association of Childbearing Centers (birthcenters.org) for a location near you.

• If complications develop for you or your baby, you'll be placed in the care of an OB-GYN.