We are expecting our second baby early December and would like to have the services of a midwife. I don't want to go through a difficult childbirth again which I experienced with our first baby. I now want to experience the care and support of a midwife with my second childbirth. Can you refer to me a great midwife? Thanks for your help.
It looks like you are in St. Louis. There are several types of midwives. In terms of hospital based Certified Nurse Midwives (CNM) there really aren't many (if any) in St. Louis. There are a couple in Illinois. I think it depends what you are looking for and what your situation is. If you are looking for a naturally minded midwife, Sylvia Obernuefemanne is across the river in Belleville, Illinois. You mentioned a difficult childbirth with your first. If you happened to have had a cesarean and are wanting a vaginal birth after cesarean, Sylvia couldn't attend you because of the restrictions of the OB she practices under.
If you are considering a homebirth than you are looking at a certifield professional midwife (CPM). Dana Albillo is the only CPM in this area. I know other women who have gone to the birth center in Columbia for midwifery care. This is a bit of a drive. I am also not sure of what their status is currently. There was some talk of it closing. Greenville, IL is also a bit of a drive but they have midwives who do water births. There are also direct entry homebirth midwives but that is a different issue all together.
If you want more information on birth friendly providers in the area ICAN of St. Louis has an online forum. ICAN is the International Cesarean Awareness Network. The group provides support to moms who want to prevent a cesarean or even a traumatic birth. Although most of the moms have had a previous cesarean there are also moms involved who weren't happy with their first birth and want to find ways to have fewer interventions. If you didn't have a doula for your first birth this might be something you want to consider as well.
Good luck,
Julie