A midwife is a certified medical professional who utilizes special training to provide quality birthing services to expectant mothers. They can work with you to customize a birth plan based on your specific desires. If you want to give birth to your child in your home, a midwife can provide an encouraging, safe, and healthy environment to make your wishes possible. Below are a few questions to ask this medical professional. 

What to Ask Your Midwife

What is a water birth?

A water birth is when an expectant mother delivers her baby while sitting in a tub or a small pool filled with water. Delivery in a warm tub offers a comforting, gentle environment for the mother, alleviating stress and encouraging the production of endorphins, which are the body’s natural painkillers in intense situations. 

What is the role of a midwife during a home birth?

A midwife is a highly trained professional who provides medical services during pregnancy, childbirth, and your post-partum experience. They offer the mother with support, resources, and treatment as needed.

Your midwife will help prepare you for labor, birth, and observe your child’s development and positioning. They will also encourage you throughout your labor and monitor the event. While they cannot administer epidurals, they will know when to get emergency care from a hospital if necessary. Midwives often work closely with other medical professionals to provide the most accurate, helpful medical care possible.

When is a home birth not recommended?

Midwives typically don’t recommend a home birth if you’re diabetic, have chronic high blood pressure, toxemia, have had a previous preterm labor, or are expecting a preterm labor. Additionally, a home birth isn’t recommended to mothers who are pregnant with twins or to those who previously had a C-section.

What are the benefits of a home birth?

During a home birth, the mother has the ability to control her surroundings, starting with the people she wants present in the room. This allows mothers to feel a sense of comfort, especially since they’ll welcome their baby in their home. 

Home births also heighten the bonding experience for all. For example, the father or partner may choose to sit in the tub with the mother while she gives birth to support her emotionally and physically. This also allows the partner to bond with the baby during the birthing process. The mother’s bond with her baby is also strengthened, as she will be able to immediately hold her baby and promote instant skin-to-skin contact. This will soothe the baby and help both mother and child establish a connection.

The team at Home Birth with Love is composed of certified midwives who offer support through the home birthing process. Established by Leah Marinelli, who is a certified nurse-midwife, this agency thrives under her 16 years of experience and leadership. The team offers prenatal and postpartum support, as well as emotional guidance through labor. To discuss your home birth plan with these professionals, call the Suffern, NY-based agency at (845) 641-5058. Visit their website for a complete list of services.