Choosing a midwife can feel deeply personal—and a bit overwhelming—especially if it's your first time giving birth. To help make the choice a little clearer, we spoke to South African mums who’ve been there, done that, and have the birthing stories to prove it.
According to doula Chrissie Smith-Schuler, “midwife-led care is based on the ethos that pregnancy and birth are normal life events and if your pregnancy is low-risk then birthing with a midwife could be a great option.” We shine the spotlight on these supportive and empowering service providers by encouraging our community members to share their experiences.
Leigh Van Eck: I had an amazing experience! We had to induce because labour didn’t progress after my waters broke. My midwife was great at guiding the decision-making process and keeping me calm when things weren’t going the way I had hoped. I still had a wonderful active labour and water birth with my husband by my side. Our midwife was so supportive without being intrusive and gave me the space to do my thing. It was a truly amazing, empowering experience and I am so grateful.
Gwendalene de Meillon-Nel: I had a VBAC a few weeks ago with a midwife and a doula. It was a really awesome experience and I would do it again and again. I get all mushy thinking about it. I am just so happy!
Rochél Nkosi: It was a life-changing decision for us. I had a C-section in 2016 with a not-so-pro-natural gynae and gave birth to our little girl naturally with a midwife last year. It was such a healing experience, with hands down the best care during pregnancy, labour and afterwards.
Megan Sandler: I used a midwife with my second birth a couple of weeks ago and I will never do a hospital birth again if I can help it. I was allowed to do what came naturally to my body, with zero interventions throughout the labour – and dare I say the pain was a hundred times more manageable because I wasn’t being hassled about my “progress” every five minutes. Even my husband loved this birth because he was able to be so involved. He actually said that we should do a home birth if we have a third child, with just a midwife and a birthing pool – this from the guy who was so against a non-hospital birth to begin with! In short, a million times YES to a midwife birth!
Gerda Kriek: I’ve had three natural, unmedicated births, all with midwives. I highly recommend it.
Enita Pedro: I had my second birth with a midwife. It was an amazing experience! Not only was it such a restorative birth, but I could do exactly what my body needed, with constant reassurances about how well I was doing.
Rochél Nkosi: It was a life-changing decision for us. I had a C-section in 2016 with a not-so-pro-natural gynae and gave birth to our little girl naturally with a midwife last year. It was such a healing experience, with hands down the best care during pregnancy, labour and afterwards.
“I honestly felt that with a midwife-led birth I was empowered and well-informed.”
Robyn Cronjé: I had a midwife for my second birth. We only found out while I was pushing that she was posterior. I am convinced that had we gone another route it, I would have ended up having a C-section. They wouldn’t have allowed me the necessary time to deliver her naturally.
Debbie Van der Westhuizen: I’ve birthed my twins with a midwife at a birthing centre. It was an amazing water birth three years ago – no NICU, no complications. The only problem I had was that I only found out after the birth about my RhoGAM shot (an injection with antibodies called immunoglobulin) and it was too late to get it. I am Rh-negative and my husband positive, but my twins and I were fine.
Martie van der Riet: I had an amazing birth. My midwife would not support me as my baby was breech and I did not want to have a C-section if it wasn’t life-threatening. I then decided to do a free (unassisted) birth and my baby was born complete breech without any issues.
Tarryn Walton: I think midwives are kind, compassionate and patient, and they provide care that honours and respects and celebrates a woman’s natural ability to give birth without unnecessary interference. I have given birth with midwives in the UK and worked alongside them here in SA. I highly recommend it.
Staycy Naidu: Last year I had my first natural, unmedicated birth with a midwife and it was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Catia Meireles Pereira: I have had two midwife birth, one in hospital and one at home. I loved giving birth!
Georgina Mary Myles: I had a great experience with a midwife-led birth. I went for my gynae appointments but my midwife consultations throughout my pregnancy felt much more informative and supportive. They were more in-depth and more focused on my emotional well-being as well as mental preparation for birth. I felt supported in my decisions and was given the information I feel I would’ve otherwise overlooked or taken for granted. I honestly felt that with a midwife-led birth I was empowered and well-informed. My husband was also very involved and guided by the midwife. The support in the days after my daughter was born was amazing, too.
Naomi Mitchell: I have had four hospital births (one C-section and three VBACS) and then a further three midwife-led VBACs. I will never again give birth at a hospital for a healthy pregnancy with a healthy baby. The difference was pretty significant.
Angelique McFarlane: I had a VBAC at home with the most amazing midwife. It was an incredible experience and I cannot compare it to the hospital at all. Midwives are focused on you, the birth and your baby.
WATCH: How do doulas make a difference during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum?
Note: These comments are the thoughts and experiences of different moms and are for anecdotal purposes only. We respect the rights of moms to choose the birthing option that best suits their preferences, as well as the health and well-being of them and their babies.
FAQs: Choosing a Midwife
What is a midwife?
A midwife is a trained healthcare professional who specialises in supporting women during pregnancy, labour, birth and the postnatal period. Midwives can work in both public and private healthcare systems in South Africa.
How is a midwife different from an obstetrician?
Midwives focus on natural birth and provide personalised care throughout pregnancy and delivery for low-risk pregnancies. Obstetricians are medical doctors who handle high-risk pregnancies or complications and may perform caesarean sections.
When should I start looking for a midwife?
Ideally, you should begin looking for a midwife in your first trimester to ensure continuity of care and availability, especially if you’re planning a home birth or using a birthing centre.
Can I use a midwife if I’m planning a hospital birth?
Yes. Many South African hospitals allow midwives to attend births, especially in private maternity wards or birthing suites. Always check with the hospital and your medical aid scheme for midwife coverage.
Is midwife-led care safe?
For low-risk pregnancies, midwife-led care has been shown to be safe and beneficial. Studies support lower rates of medical intervention and higher maternal satisfaction under midwife care for suitable candidates.
What should I ask a midwife before choosing her?
Ask about her qualifications, experience, birthing philosophy, availability, emergency plans, and whether she is registered with the South African Nursing Council (SANC). You can also ask for testimonials from other mothers.
Can I switch from an obstetrician to a midwife mid-pregnancy?
Yes, if your pregnancy is classified as low-risk and you feel midwife care is better suited to your needs, you can make the switch. It’s important to transfer your medical records and ensure continuity of care.
Will medical aid cover a midwife?
Some medical aid plans in South Africa offer full or partial coverage for midwife services. It’s best to check with your provider and confirm whether the midwife is registered and accredited with them.
Can a midwife prescribe medication?
Midwives in South Africa can prescribe certain medications within their scope of practice, including basic pain relief, supplements, and treatments related to maternal and newborn health.
Are midwives only for natural births?
No. While midwives support natural birth, they also work in collaboration with obstetricians and other specialists. If complications arise, they can refer or transfer care to a doctor when necessary.
Disclaimer: This information is intended as a general guide. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider or midwife for personalised advice during your pregnancy.
Make choosing a midwife for birth easier with these 6 tips, from asking the right questions to trusting your instincts.
