I have found (of course in general), that MWs are really supportive of homebirths. Their passion and some MW would say calling, is to support women in acheiving the birth they want, and they get to REALLY shine too.. this is what there job is all about for them - and it is much so more than a job as I'm sure that any MW would tell you.
We certainly had more than our fair share of MWs at our birth, but I think that one of the reasons for this, was that women who are home birthing are very much (sadly) in the minority, and they don't get the experience of HB so much and how normal birth can be. They were all very keen as me to be part of , (well mostly watch) the experience, also I'm sure that my birth did become part of the training and experience which will help the less experienced MWs develop their skills and feel confident in their important role at attendants to birth for future mums.
I really do have such high prases for MW - I know that some MW can become slightly jaded over time working in high risk areas and thinking that everything could potentially be an emergency... but at home you are really looked after. They are not going to leave you to attend another labouring women at the same time or be under pressure from their senoirs to find out what is happening with you and why you haven't got to X cm yet?, there is a totally different feel about it, and they do keep a close eye on you - and not an interfering eye either = baby and me were checked every 2-3 minitue in the final stages of birth.. and I didn't even notice. I have never felt so secure. My MW could stay wth me for 6 hours until her shift finished - she was amazing, read me really well, bulit up an fantastic rapor, (we hadn't know each other before). she held my hand, sometimes said nothing and cuddled me when I needed it, helped me to think about my movement, offered different positions, etc...
....even afterwards and reading my notes and the MWs obs, I didn't know what un-invasive efforts they were making to make sure everything was looking good. I doubt that I would have had that care in either a birth centre or my local hosptial as in effect I had 2 on 1 care... but still didn't notice them.
Sorry I've blabbered on - but you're right it doesn't really matter too much who attends you - feel the same way, I have never meet a MW that I didn't like yet! - they are amazing.
Good luck!
I asked my mw would she be coming to do one and what they would do....she said we don't bother....I told her I thought maybe she would be running her fingers along my shelves checking for dust...she then went on to tell me shes delivered babies in all kinds of homes....once with a large pet snake free in the room!!!
