How to Choose a Midwife in Murrieta and Temecula

Birthstone Midwifery

Finding Your Midwife · Temecula

How to Choose a Midwife in
Murrieta and Temecula

By Tayna Chessman, LM, CPM  ·  Riverside County, California

Choosing a midwife is one of the most important decisions you will make during your pregnancy. This is the person who will be with you on one of the most significant days of your life — and the relationship matters just as much as the credentials.

As a California Licensed Midwife serving Temecula, Murrieta, and Riverside County, I want to give you an honest guide to finding the right midwife for your family — whether that ends up being me or someone else.

Step One: Verify Credentials First

Before anything else, confirm that any midwife you are considering is properly licensed and credentialed in California. Do not skip this step.

• LM (Licensed Midwife) — Required to legally practice midwifery in California. Verify at breeze.ca.gov
• CPM (Certified Professional Midwife) — National certification from NARM demonstrating clinical competency
• Ask for their license number and look it up yourself — any reputable midwife will welcome this
• Tayna Chessman, LM, CPM license number: #784

The 10 Questions to Ask Every Midwife You Interview

1

What are your credentials and how do I verify them?

2

How many births have you attended and how long have you been practicing?

3

What emergency equipment do you carry to every birth?

4

What is your transfer rate and what are your most common reasons for transfer?

5

Who is your backup midwife if you are unavailable when I go into labor?

6

What is your philosophy around informed consent and my right to decline procedures?

7

What postpartum care is included in your fee?

8

How do you handle it if labor is not progressing as expected?

9

What is your relationship with local hospitals in the Temecula and Murrieta area?

10

Can I speak with former clients as references?

"The right midwife will welcome every single one of these questions. Hesitation, defensiveness, or vague answers are your signal to keep looking."

Red Flags to Watch For

• Unable or unwilling to provide verifiable license information
• Vague or evasive answers about emergency equipment they carry
• No clear backup plan if they are unavailable at your birth
• Dismissive of your questions or concerns during the consultation
• No written contract or fee agreement
• Pressure to decide immediately without time to think
• Inability to discuss transfer protocols clearly and honestly

Beyond Credentials — The Relationship Matters

After you have confirmed credentials and asked the hard questions, pay attention to how you feel in the consultation. Do you feel heard? Do you feel rushed? Does this midwife seem genuinely interested in you as a person, or does it feel transactional? You will be vulnerable, raw, and open during labor. The person with you matters enormously.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I start looking for a midwife in Temecula or Murrieta?

As early as possible — ideally by 8–12 weeks of pregnancy. Midwives in the Temecula and Murrieta area book up quickly, especially for summer and fall due dates. Do not wait until your second trimester to start your search.

How many midwives should I interview before choosing?

I recommend interviewing at least two or three. Even if the first consultation feels perfect, comparison gives you confidence in your decision.

What is included in Birthstone Midwifery's care package?

Birthstone Midwifery provides comprehensive prenatal care, birth attendance with a trained assistant, and postpartum visits in your home. Contact me directly to discuss the full scope of care and fees.

Ready to Meet Your Midwife?

A free Midwifery Chat is the perfect first step. Come with your questions — every single one of them — and let's find out if we are the right fit for each other.

Schedule Your Free Consultation →

Tayna Chessman, LM, CPM (#784) is a California Licensed Midwife and the founder of Birthstone Midwifery,
serving families in Temecula, Murrieta, Winchester, Menifee, Lake Elsinore, and throughout Riverside County, California.