How to Choose a Homebirth Midwife

When you’re planning a homebirth, who you choose to be with you in your birth space is incredibly important. If you’re planning on hiring a midwife for your homebirth, it can feel overwhelming trying to navigate finding the midwives (many don’t advertise online)... not to mention, knowing what’s important to ask them… what exactly are you supposed to be looking for?

While credentials and experience are important, you cannot discount the way you feel when you’re with them. Do you feel seen, heard, and respected? Trust your intuition—that gut feeling matters. A great midwife will make you feel comfortable, confident, and calm from the very beginning. Here’s how to find the perfect midwife for you and your family.

1. Understand the Different Types of Midwives

As a starting point, it’s helpful to understand the types of midwives you might encounter. Midwives can have different training and credentials, which might influence their approach to care and philosophy surrounding birth. Here are the main types:

• Certified Professional Midwife (CPM): Specializes in out-of-hospital births, including homebirths, with training focused on low-risk pregnancy and birth. Their training is typically the more traditional apprenticeship style, apprenticing with homebirth midwives. 

• Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM): A registered nurse with additional midwifery training; they often practice in hospitals but may attend homebirths in some areas. Their training is in the hospital.

• Traditional, DEM (Direct-entry Midwife), or Lay Midwife: May not have formal certifications but often has extensive experience and training in community-based or cultural birth practices. 

Understanding these distinctions can help you decide what kind of care aligns with your needs and values.

2. Ask for Recommendations

Talk to other families who’ve had homebirths. Ask them about their midwives and what they loved (or didn’t love) about their experiences. You can also connect with local birth groups on Facebook, doulas, or childbirth educators who often have valuable insights and suggestions. Hearing real stories can help you envision the kind of support you want.

3. Get Clear on What You’re Looking For

Before reaching out to midwives, take some time to reflect on what matters most to you. What kind of support do you envision during your pregnancy and birth? Are there specific qualities, philosophies, or practices that feel non-negotiable? Journaling or talking it through with a trusted friend or partner can help you gain clarity. Knowing what you’re looking for will make it easier to recognize the right fit when you find it.

4. Meet and Chat

Most midwives offer a free consultation to get to know you and share about their practice. Use this time to explore how they approach birth and what kind of energy they bring to the process. Some questions to consider asking:

- What drew you to midwifery?

- How do you support families during labor?

- What’s your philosophy about birth?

- How do you handle unexpected situations?

- What medications/herbs do you carry, and when would you use them?

Notice how they answer and how you feel as they speak—do their values align with yours?

5. Discuss Practical Details

While connection is key, you’ll also want to make sure practicalities align. Talk about:

- Their availability around your due date

- How they handle communication during pregnancy (e.g., calls, texts, or appointments)

- Backup plans if they’re unavailable when you go into labor

- Their approach to postpartum care

These details help ensure you’re on the same page about how your care will unfold.

6. Explore Their Approach to Birth

Every midwife brings their own style and perspective. Some are more hands-on, while others take a watchful, supportive role. Think about what feels right for you and your family. A midwife who prioritizes informed choice and respects your autonomy is one who will truly honor your birth experience.

7. Focus on Compatibility

Your midwife will be deeply involved in your pregnancy and birth, so it’s essential that you feel at ease with them. Ask yourself:

- Do they listen without judgment?

- Do they support my preferences and choices?

- Do I feel like I can be myself around them?

The right midwife should feel like someone you trust to hold space for your birth—someone who brings calm and confidence to the process.

8. Trust Your Instincts

Above all, trust yourself. If something doesn’t feel right, it is okay to keep looking. Finding the right midwife might take time, but it’s worth it to feel completely supported and aligned with the person who will be by your side.

Final Thoughts

Choosing a homebirth midwife is about finding someone who feels like the perfect partner for your birth. It’s not just about their credentials or expertise—it’s about trust, connection, and shared values. Take your time, ask questions, and listen to your intuition. You deserve a midwife who makes you feel seen, supported, and confident every step of the way.

If you’re local to Omaha and looking for a supportive homebirth community, email me kayla@motherknowsbirthdoula.com for details on our monthly homebirth gathering to meet like-minded mamas and birthworkers.