So you’re pregnant! And whether it’s your first or fifth, you probably have a lot of questions. Prenatal care is vital for you and your baby, and choosing the right midwife is an important first step.
Not sure where to start? Here are a few good questions to ask any potential midwife during your prenatal visits.
46 Questions you can ask a midwife:
- What are your qualifications?
- Have you ever had a patient with a pregnancy like mine before?
- How do you feel about home births?
- What are your policies on induction and other interventions?
- What are your policies on pain relief during labor?
- What are your thoughts on natural childbirth?
- What pain management options do you offer?
- What happens if I go past my due date?
- How often will I see you during my pregnancy?
- What should I do if I have a concern outside of our appointment times?
- Can I tour your facility?
- What is your policy on unnecessary tests and evaluations?
- Who else will be involved in my care?
- What are your thoughts on vaccinations during pregnancy?
- Do you have experience caring for LGBTQIA+ patients?
- Do you have any additional suggestions for things I should be doing during my pregnancy?
- How long have you been practicing as a midwife?
- What is your education and training background?
- What is your favorite thing about being a midwife?
- What do you think is the most challenging thing about being a midwife?
- What is your philosophy of care?
- Where do you generally attend births?
- In the event that I need to transfer care to a hospital setting, who will be my primary point of contact?
- What are your policies on postpartum visits?
- How can I reach you outside of normal working hours in case of an emergency?
- Do you carry liability insurance?
- Are you licensed in my state?
- What are your policies on epidurals?
- What are your policies on cesareans?
- How do you handle breech babies?
- How do you handle twins or other multiples?
- How do you handle complications during pregnancy or labor?
- What is your policy on home birth?
- What is your policy on water birth?
- Do you offer any special services, such as placenta encapsulation or breastfeeding support?
- Do you have any experience with VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)?
- Do you have any experience with high-risk pregnancies?
- How do you handle emergencies?
- Who will be my primary caregiver during my prenatal visits and during labor?
- Do you have any experience with hypnobirthing or other natural childbirth methods?
- What are your policies on dietary restrictions during pregnancy and labor?
- Do you have any experience with gestational diabetes or other medical conditions that can complicate pregnancy?
- What are your policies on visitors during labor and delivery?
- How do you feel about photography and video during labor and delivery?
- What are your policies on cord blood banking and placenta encapsulation?
- Are there any circumstances in which you would transfer care to another provider?
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a midwife do?
A midwife is a medical professional who helps women during childbirth. They care for the mother before, during, and after the birth of the baby. Midwives often work in hospitals or clinics, but they can also be self-employed. They are trained to handle a wide range of health issues related to pregnancy and childbirth.
Is a midwife a real doctor?
Midwives are not real doctors. They do not have the same level of training as doctors. Midwives may have some medical knowledge, but they are not qualified to provide the same care as a doctor.
What can a midwife not do?
A midwife is not allowed to prescribe medication, perform surgery, or deliver babies via Cesarean section. They are also not allowed to do anything that would require them to have a medical license.
Conclusion
Prenatal care is vital for both moms and babies, so it’s important to choose a provider you feel comfortable with. By asking the right questions during your prenatal visits, you can be sure you’ll have a positive experience and that all your concerns will be addressed. With these questions, you’re sure to find the perfect midwife for you and your baby!
