Question 1

What is a midwife?

Accepted Answer

A midwife is a trained professional with special expertise in supporting and maintaining healthy pregnancy and birth. Midwives offer individualized care, education, counseling, and support through the entire childbearing cycle.

Question 2

Are homebirths safe?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Having a baby at home is one of the safest places to give birth as long as everything remains normal, healthy, and low risk.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2742137/
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jmwh.12172/abstract

Question 3

What will I need for my homebirth?

Accepted Answer

A strong desire to birth at home and a willingness to make that commitment to yourself. A respect for the power of transformation and a curiosity to discover your own transformative power. An understanding of the divine process of birth and the awareness that it will be nothing less than life changing. An innate belief that every challenge presents an opportunity to grow and the willingness to embrace that growth and the knowledge that lies within.

Question 4

How will I deal with labor pain?

Accepted Answer

Our bodies are designed for birth. When you are in a safe and familiar setting, your body is able to release endorphins. With this release of endorphins and other hormones, your body will open up to the natural process of birth and allow you to experience labor without the administration of pain medication.

Question 5

What happens if complications occur?

Accepted Answer

If there is any concern about your safety or if the care required is outside the scope of midwifery care during pregnancy or birth, you will be referred to the appropriate healthcare provider or will be transferred to the nearest hospital.

Question 6

What if I don't want a hospital birth but am unable to birth at home?

Accepted Answer

I mainly do home births but I have access to a freestanding birth center in my area. They charge an additional facility fee.
http://www.birthcenters.org