Which means, not all women will be accepted as clients. The amount of medical type prenatal and labor care provided will depend completely on the midwife you select. Speak with her in detail about your views on birth, the type of care you wish to receive, and request references. Research her medical training and her credentials, and inquire about her amount of experience with various situations. Speaking to past clientele is a great way to get a true feel for how a midwife practices.
Most midwives also practice with at least one assistant, or apprentice midwife.
Be sure to meet all her assistants and see if you like them as well. Prenatal visits will either be done at the midwife's office if she has one, or at your home. Again, the level of medical care provided will vary greatly depending on the type of midwife you choose. Midwives are generally able to handle a wide range of complications, and will bring the medical equipment necessary to handle those complications to your home during the birth. Because not all complications can be handled at home, midwifes frequently work with a back-up OB who's care you'll be transferred into if you have a complication that would prevent you from being able to give birth at home.