Essential Questions to Ask During Your Midwife Consultation

Choosing a midwife is one of the most important decisions you'll make during pregnancy. A consultation appointment gives you the opportunity to learn about our practice, philosophy, and approach to care. Coming prepared with thoughtful questions ensures you find a provider who aligns with your values and birth goals. Here are the essential questions to ask us during your midwife consultation.

About Our Practice and Philosophy

Education and Experience

• What is your educational background and certification?

• How long have you been practicing midwifery?

• How many births do you attend per month/year?

• What is your philosophy about pregnancy and birth?

• How do you view your role as a midwife?

Practice Model

• Do you practice alone or with other midwives?

• If in a group practice, will I meet all the midwives who might attend my birth?

• What happens if you're unavailable when I go into labor?

• Do you have backup midwives, and what are their qualifications?

Prenatal Care

Appointment Structure

• How long are typical prenatal appointments?

• How often will we meet throughout my pregnancy?

• What does a typical prenatal visit include?

• Do you provide nutritional counseling and lifestyle guidance?

• How do you handle routine testing and screenings?

Communication and Availability

• How can I reach you between appointments?

• Do you have after-hours availability for questions or concerns?

• What constitutes an emergency that requires immediate contact?

• How do you handle non-urgent questions?

Birth Support and Practices

Birth Philosophy and Approach

• What is your approach to supporting natural birth?

• How do you view pain management during labor?

• What comfort measures do you recommend and support?

• How do you support partners during birth?

• What is your approach to delayed cord clamping, skin-to-skin contact, and immediate breastfeeding?

Birth Locations and Settings

• Where do you attend births (home, birth center?)

• If multiple locations, what factors determine the best choice?

• Are you familiar with my preferred birth location?

• What equipment do you bring to births?

Managing Complications and Transfers

Risk Assessment

• How do you assess and monitor risk during pregnancy and labor?

• What conditions would require transfer to physician care?

• What situations would require hospital transfer during labor?

• How do you handle emergencies during birth?

Collaborative Care

• Do you work collaboratively with physicians when needed?

• Which physicians or hospitals do you refer to?

• How do you handle the transfer process if needed?

• Will you continue to provide support during a hospital transfer?

Postpartum Care

Immediate Postpartum

• How long do you stay after the birth?

• What postpartum care do you provide immediately after birth?

• How do you assess newborn health?

• What signs do you watch for in mother and baby?

Ongoing Support

• How many postpartum visits do you provide?

• What does postpartum care include?

• How do you support breastfeeding?

• When do you refer to pediatric care?

• What postpartum warning signs should I watch for?

Practical Considerations

Logistics and Scheduling

• What are your fees, and what do they include?

• Do you accept insurance, and how does billing work?

• What payment options do you offer?

• How far in advance should I book care?

• What happens if I need to change or cancel appointments?

Policies and Procedures

• Do you have specific policies about labor length, birth positioning, or other practices?

• How do you handle multiple births (twins, etc.)?

• What are your policies around VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?

• Do you support water birth?

• What are your guidelines around eating and drinking during labor?

Personal Fit and Comfort

Communication Style

• How do you involve clients in decision-making?

• How do you handle disagreements about care?

• Can you describe your communication style?

• How do you ensure informed consent?

References and Outcomes

Experience and Outcomes

• Can you provide references from recent clients?

• What are your transfer rates and reasons for transfer?

• How do you measure success in your practice?

• What continuing education do you pursue?

Questions About Your Specific Situation

Personal Health History

• Based on my health history, are there any concerns?

• How would you handle my specific risk factors or previous birth experiences?

• Are there any reasons you might not be the right fit for my care?

• What additional support might benefit my specific situation?

Red Flags to Watch For

During your consultation, be aware of responses that might indicate poor fit:

• Unwillingness to answer questions thoroughly

• Dismissive attitude toward your concerns

• Rigid policies that don't allow for individual needs

• Poor communication or rushed responses

• Lack of clear emergency procedures

• No collaborative relationships with physicians

After the Consultation

Take time to reflect on:

• Did you feel heard and respected?

• Does our practice align with your birth goals?

• Do you feel confident in our experience and abilities?

• Would you feel comfortable calling us with concerns?

• Do you trust us to support your birth vision while ensuring safety?

Making Your Decision

Remember that the right midwife for you is someone who not only has excellent clinical skills but also respects your autonomy, communicates well, and shares your philosophy about birth. Trust your instincts about whether this feels like the right fit for one of the most important experiences of your life.

Take notes during consultations, and don't hesitate to schedule consultations with multiple midwives before making your decision. This is an important relationship that will significantly impact your pregnancy and birth experience, so invest the time to choose wisely. We are always honored when clients select us for their journey!