How to select a midwife.
So you’ve decided that you want to have your baby out of the hospital. How do you find a qualified provider who will serve your family in the way that you want?
It’s important to find a provider who makes you feel comfortable and who builds trust. When you dig a little deeper, here are a few questions to ask when interviewing a midwife:
What is your educational background and training?
Tell me about your birth experience. Why did you become a midwife?
Can you describe your approach to prenatal care, labor and delivery support, and postpartum care?
What is your philosophy regarding labor support, including options such as natural techniques and remedies, inductions, and other medical interventions?
How do you handle emergencies or complications during labor and delivery?
What do you think about birth plans, and how will you enable my preferences during labor and delivery?
What are your fees and what services do they include? Are there additional costs for certain procedures or situations?
How do you handle after-hours calls or emergencies?
What is your availability leading up to my due date and during the anticipated time of birth?
Can you explain your backup plan in case you are unavailable due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances?
