Questions to ask when choosing a midwife :
What is the midwife's caseload ? - the New Zealand College of Midwives recommend a caseload of 4-6 clients per midwife per month (40-50/year) for independent midwives.
Does the midwife have group backup ? Do you become familiar with the backup midwives?
Will the one midwife provide care throughout the pregnancy, birth and postnatal period ?
Where does the midwife offer delivery/birth services ? - homebirth, water-birth, the local maternity unit, regional hospital ?
How easy is it to contact the midwife ? (pager, cell-phone etc.) When is she not available e.g. weekends off, on holiday ?
Did your GP provide a complete list of local midwifery groups to consult ?
Where does the midwife consult - in your home ? in the midwifes office ?
How often will the midwife typically visit ? (antenatal and postnatal)
Does the midwife provide support material - books, references, contacts, videos, patient record books ?
How experienced is the midwife ? Is the midwife up-to-date with midwifery practice and childbirth research ?