Midwifery in Illinois: How to find qualified midwives in Chicago

Looking for Midwives in IL? When it comes to finding a midwife in Chicago or the greater Illinois area, you have a few decisions to make. Do you want someone affiliated with a hospital, or do you want somebody independent? Do you want to see midwives in IL during your pregnancy, or would you like postnatal care as well? Once you’ve decided what’s important to you, it’s time to start looking. Here are some tips on finding the perfect midwife for your needs. But first, a little background info for you.

Want more newborn care information, insights, tips, and tricks? Check out our other blog posts here.

What is a Midwife?

Midwives in IL are highly trained professionals who provide care for new and expecting mothers. They provide comprehensive care for women throughout their pregnancies, including well-woman care, gynecological care, and family planning services. Midwives also provide labor and delivery care, postpartum care, newborn care, support, guidance, and education to new and expecting parents. They believe that pregnancy and childbirth are natural processes, and they strive to provide individualized care that respects the unique needs of each woman and her family.

Midwives are licensed by the state and have completed an accredited Midwifery in Illinois Education Program. Chicago-based new or expecting parents should consider a midwife as their primary care provider because of the comprehensive, continuous, and dynamic support they provide.

How to find qualified midwives in Chicago

Sometimes it can be challenging to find a qualified midwife in your area. Here are some tips on how to find a midwife in Chicago:

Midwifery Education Programs: There are several Midwifery Education Programs located in Chicago. To find a program near you, visit the American Midwifery Certification Board and search for programs by state.
Hospitals: Many hospitals in Chicago offer Midwifery Services. To find a hospital near you that offers Midwifery Services, visit the Illinois Department of Public Health and search for hospitals by county.
Local Midwives. Take a look at our list of go-to midwives in the Illinois region below. These women are well-known in the area and have a reputation for delivering world-class Midwifery in Illinois.

Interviewing Midwives for a good fit

It may seem daunting, but interviewing your potential midwives in IL is crucial to finding the right fit. You want to be sure that you are comfortable with your Midwife and that they are qualified to care for you. Here are a few questions to ask when interviewing Midwives:

1. What is your experience with Midwifery?

You want to be sure that midwives in IL are experienced and qualified to care for you. While there are obviously new midwives joining the workforce every day, your best bet is to find a Midwife with years of experience.

2. What are your qualifications?

Conduct a deep dive into their qualifications and specialties. Is this Midwife certified, and do they have the proper capabilities to care for you? Where have they worked? Where do they do most of their business? Are they familiar with your unique needs and potential concerns?

3. What is your philosophy on Midwifery care?

Discuss philosophies with the Midwife to make sure they share your perspective on Midwifery care. Everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to Midwifery care, so it’s essential to find a Midwife who is the right fit for you philosophy-wise.

4. What is your experience with home births?

Some parents-to-be choose to have a midwife present for the birth of their child, especially when it comes to home births. Check that your potential Midwife is experienced in home births and that you are comfortable with their care in home birth situations.

5. What is your experience with hospital births?

Just like home births, you want to ensure that your Midwife is experienced in hospital births, has good relationships with your preferred hospital, and can support you in a hospital birth.

6. What are your rates?

Saving on cost is important for most families, but it’s important to remember that you get what you pay for when it comes to finding a midwife. Lower cost care will likely be less hands-on, but those willing to pay more should expect higher quality service when charged higher premiums.

7. What is your policy on payment, refunds, or rescheduling?

Ask the interviewee about their payment and refund policies and their rescheduling policies. You should also ask about what kind of medical backup they have in case of an emergency and if they are comfortable with being on-call 24/7.

The most popular midwives in Chicago

While there are numerous top-tier candidates for Midwifery in Illinois, I’ve compiled a list of some of the most sought-after care providers in the local area, so you don’t have to do the research yourself! See below:

If you cannot contact or work with any of these incredible women, don’t fret! There are many great options that you can interview for your Midwifery in Illinois needs. Regardless of who you ultimately choose, you’re now ready to get into the next stage of parenthood planning.

Now is also the perfect time to find your ideal newborn photographer

Once you’ve locked in your choice for a midwife, it’s time to start searching for the best Chicago newborn photographers. To encapsulate this unique and fleeting time, you’ll want to find an experienced photographer who specializes in newborn photography. Look for someone with extensive training and a patient demeanor who will make you and your partner feel comfortable while they capture all the details of your new baby…like me!

When researching potential photographers, ask about their experience photographing newborns, what props and backdrops they use, how long the sessions typically last, and if they offer any package discounts. Also, take a look at their portfolio to understand their style and approach.

Get your newborn portrait session scheduled with Francine

If you’re looking for a newborn photographer in Chicago, look no further than Lillybelle Rose Photography! With over 12 years of experience photographing newborns, I am here to make sure you have beautiful memories to treasure for a lifetime. My studio is filled with everything I need for a relaxing session and a gallery you will cherish! Schedule a session here now.

Midwife + Photographer…Now What?

Now that you’ve found your midwife and photographer, all that’s left to do is enjoy your new baby and capture all the precious moments! Midwifery in Illinois care and newborn photography are two critical investments that will help you look back on this time with fondness, appreciation, and gratitude.

If you have any questions about Midwifery in Illinois care or newborn photography in Chicago, feel free to contact Francine.

While I have you, here is a look at a recent session with a gorgeous new soul, Max. Have any questions, please let me know HERE!