QUESTIONS TO ASK ABOUT HOME BIRTH

Answers to many of the questions below can be found in my resume


Midwife Background

  • What is your philosophy about pregnancy, birth and postpartum?

  • How long have you been in practice?

  • How many births have you attended?

  • How many births do you attend each month?

  • Why did you become a midwife?

  • Do you have kids?

  • How/where did you give birth?

  • Describe your training/qualifications.

  • Are you licensed?

  • My mother is against me having a home birth. What should I tell her?

  • What do you do to ensure that you provide culturally competent care?

Practice Structure Questions

  • Do you have a relationship with a back-up doctor?

  • Who will attend my birth?

  • Do you work with assistants, apprentices or students?

  • If I contract with you should I also get a doula?

  • What is the difference between midwives and doulas?

  • What is your schedule of care?

  • Are you available by phone or e-mail?

  • Do you have a water birth tub that I can borrow or rent?

  • Who is your back-up midwife?

Money Questions

  • Do you accept insurance?

  • How much do your services cost?

  • What is included in the cost?

  • Are there any supplies I have to buy?

Prenatal Care Questions

  • How long does a prenatal visit last with you?

  • Do you provide lab tests and ultrasounds if the baby or I need them?

  • Can you help me with my diet?

  • Where do I have to go for prenatal visits?

  • What kinds of things would cause you to transfer my care to a hospital-based practitioner during pregnancy?

  • What is your protocol if my pregnancy goes past 42 weeks ?

  • Will you address my emotional concerns?

Questions About the Hospital (in case I have to go)

  • What is your non emergency hospital transport rate in labor?

  • What is your emergency hospital transport rate in labor?

  • If I have to go to the hospital will you go with me? If so, will you still be responsible for my care?

  • How are your clients received by hospital staff?

  • How are you treated by hospital staff?

  • Do you prefer to transport to certain hospitals? If so, why?

  • If I end up having to go to the hospital can you resume my care once I get back home?

Birth Care Questions

  • Of the births you attend, what percentage are water births?

  • May I give birth in the position of my choice?

  • What do you do if a baby isn’t breathing or if a mom bleeds too much after the birth?

  • Have you ever had an adverse outcome? What happened?

  • Is a home birth messy?

  • May I have the companion(s) of my choice present at the birth?

  • At what point in my labor do you come to my house?

  • May I labor in water?

  • May I birth in water?

  • How often do you cut episiotomies?

  • If I get a tear during the birth can you suture me?

  • Do you have drugs for labor pain?

  • Do you attend VBACS at home?

  • Do you ever do inductions at home?

  • Do you carry any pharmaceutical drugs?

  • Do you carry oxygen?

Postpartum Care Questions

  • Do you offer newborn procedures like vitamin K or antibiotic eye ointment?

  • Do I need to get a pediatrician for my baby? If so, when?

  • Will you help me with breastfeeding?

  • How many times will you see me after the birth?

  • Where do I have to go for postpartum visits?

  • Will you file a birth certificate?

  • Can you help me with family planning after the birth?

  • Do you provide lab tests and ultrasounds if the baby or I need them?

  • Can you do a PAP test for me?