Choosing the Right Midwife: Essential Questions for Expectant Parents

Selecting a midwife to guide you through pregnancy, birth, and beyond is a significant decision. Whether you're opting for a home birth, birth center, or hospital birth, finding a midwife who aligns with your values and supports your birth preferences is paramount. To help you navigate this important process, we've compiled a list of crucial questions to ask when considering a midwife as your care provider. These questions will not only provide insight into their approach to childbirth but also help you make an informed decision that's right for you and your growing family.

1. What does a natural birth mean to you?

Understanding your midwife's philosophy on natural birth is essential, especially if you desire an unmedicated childbirth. Inquire about their approach to pain management, interventions, and their commitment to supporting your birth preferences.

2. If I choose to decline _____ what does that mean for my care from you?

3. What procedures/tests are required to remain in care with you?

4. What locations do you deliver at? Who are the backup midwives in case you cannot be there? Do I get to meet them? Do you have assistants?

5. What is your postpartum policy? How about the newborn exam protocol?

6. What are the policies if I need to be transferred?

7. What guidelines do you follow to decide whether or not to transfer?

8. What maneuver do you use in the event of shoulder dystocia? Postpartum hemorrhage?

9. Here is my birth plan: Are you able to actively support it?

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Asking these questions can help you gain insight into your potential midwife's approach to childbirth and determine if they are the right fit for you. Remember, you have the right to advocate for the birth experience you desire, and finding a supportive and compatible midwife is an essential step in achieving it.