6 Tips for Choosing a Midwife for Birth

Choosing who supports you during childbirth is a deeply personal decision. A midwife is much more than someone who “catches the baby.” Midwives offer physical, emotional, and educational support during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum. They are trained professionals, and many work in hospitals, birth centres, or attend home births. They believe in a holistic approach to birth, viewing it as a natural life event rather than a medical procedure.

Midwife vs Obstetrician – What’s the Difference?

An obstetrician is a medical doctor specialising in pregnancy and childbirth, often focusing on higher-risk cases or those involving surgery, like C-sections. Midwives focus on low-risk pregnancies and natural birthing approaches. Many women in South Africa and around the world now choose midwifery care because of its personal, continuous support style and lower intervention rates.

Tip 1: Know Your Birth Preferences First

Before you choose a midwife, get clear on what kind of birth experience you hope for. Are you envisioning a calm, candle-lit home birth? A hospital birth with pain management options? Or perhaps a birth centre with a blend of natural and medical care?

Your preferences will help guide your search. Some midwives specialise in home births, others work only in private hospitals. Some are more experienced in water births, while others may have training in hypnobirthing. Knowing what you want makes it easier to find someone who aligns with your vision.

Home Birth, Birth Centre, or Hospital?

In South Africa, you have options. Midwives may work privately or be employed in government or private hospitals. If you’re interested in a home birth, make sure your chosen midwife is licensed and experienced in that setting.

Natural Birth, Pain Relief Options, and Interventions

Some midwives are more hands-off, letting nature take its course unless intervention is necessary. Others are open to more modern tools, including gas or pethidine. Discuss your preferences clearly so there are no surprises on the day.

Tip 2: Check Qualifications and Accreditation

You wouldn’t hire an unlicensed electrician to wire your home—so don’t choose an unqualified midwife to guide your birth.

South African Midwifery Credentials

In South Africa, midwives must be registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC). Ask for their registration number and check it online. You can also ask about any additional qualifications they might have—like neonatal resuscitation, trauma-informed care, or VBAC support.

Where to Verify a Midwife’s Registration

You can verify credentials at www.sanc.co.za. If you’re going through a birth centre or clinic, ask for a list of their staff’s qualifications. A good midwife will never hesitate to share this information.

Tip 3: Ask About Experience and Specialities

Not all midwives have the same experience. Some may be incredibly skilled with first-time mums, while others may specialise in supporting second-time or high-risk pregnancies. Find out where their strengths lie.

First-Time Mums, High-Risk Pregnancies, or Twins?

If you’re expecting twins or have underlying health conditions, check whether the midwife has experience managing those complexities or works alongside a doctor. If this is your first baby, you might appreciate someone who is extra patient and takes the time to explain everything in detail.

Experience in Your Preferred Setting

Ask how many births they’ve attended in your preferred setting—be it hospital, home, or birth centre. A midwife who mainly attends hospital births may not be best suited for a home water birth.

Tip 4: Consider Personality and Communication Style

Midwifery care is often intimate and emotional. You’ll be sharing fears, tears, and probably a few bodily fluids. So, feeling emotionally safe with your midwife matters.

The Importance of Trust and Comfort

From your very first meeting, pay attention to how you feel. Do they make you feel heard? Are your questions taken seriously? A good midwife will listen, explain, and respect your choices—even when they differ from her preferences.

Questions to Ask in the First Meeting

• How do you support birth partners?

• What’s your approach to pain relief?

• How do you handle emergencies?

• Will I see the same person throughout my care?

These give you a sense of both their values and practical approach.

Tip 5: Review Availability and Accessibility

You don’t want to bond with a wonderful midwife only to find out she’s fully booked for your due date or only works weekdays.

Who’s on Call? What Happens in an Emergency?

Find out what happens if she’s unavailable when you go into labour. Will she have a backup midwife? Are you comfortable with that arrangement? Ask what’s included in your care—antenatal visits, labour support, postpartum care?

Post-Birth Support Options

A great midwife will follow up after birth, checking on feeding, healing, and mental health. Some offer home visits for the first week, which can be incredibly helpful when you’re sore, tired, and overwhelmed.

Tip 6: Read Reviews and Ask for References

Personal recommendations from other mums are gold. Online reviews can also give you insight, but be sure to read a variety—not just one or two glowing or scathing ones.

Where to Find Reliable Feedback

Look on South African parenting groups on Facebook, BabyYumYum, or forums like Mamahood. Ask in your antenatal class. Real-world reviews often reveal what brochures and websites can’t.

What Other Parents Say

Did the midwife show up on time? Was she calm and reassuring during labour? Did she offer great postnatal support? These stories paint a more complete picture.

Bonus Consideration: Budget and Medical Aid

Private Midwife Costs in South Africa

Midwife fees vary depending on whether you’re using public or private care. Private midwives for home births can cost anywhere from R8,000–R20,000+. That may sound steep—but includes multiple antenatal visits, the birth, and postpartum check-ups.

What’s Covered by Medical Aid

Some medical aids cover part of midwifery services, especially if you’re giving birth in a hospital or registered birth centre. Ask your provider for a pre-authorisation letter or list of approved providers.

ALSO READ: Navigating Medical Aid Coverage for Pregnancy and Childbirth in South Africa

Wrapping It All Up

Choosing a midwife is about more than credentials—it’s about connection, comfort, and trust. You want someone who aligns with your values, understands your fears, and can hold space for you physically and emotionally during one of life’s most intense moments. By taking the time to ask the right questions, check qualifications, and trust your gut, you’ll be setting yourself up for a birth experience that feels safe, supported, and empowering.

FAQs

Can I use a midwife and a doctor together?

Yes. Many women choose midwife-led care during pregnancy and labour, with an obstetrician available if complications arise.

Are midwives only for home births?

No. Midwives work in hospitals, clinics, and birth centres. Many also support home births, depending on their qualifications and your health status.

What’s the difference between a doula and a midwife?

A midwife is a medical professional who can deliver babies and provide clinical care. A doula offers emotional and physical support but doesn’t handle medical tasks.

Is it safe to have a midwife if I’m high-risk?

High-risk pregnancies typically require shared care between a midwife and a doctor. A good midwife will refer you if your case becomes complex.

When should I start looking for a midwife?

Ideally, start as soon as you confirm your pregnancy. Good midwives get booked up quickly, especially for popular due dates.