How to Choose Your Provider: Questions to Ask Your Midwife
Choosing the right care provider for your pregnancy and birth is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Midwives offer a unique model of care that focuses on personalized support, informed choice, and partnership with families. Here’s a guide to help you ask the right questions and understand the difference between traditional obstetric care and the midwifery model.
Training & Credentials
How were you trained as a midwife, and what certification or license do you hold?
Are you trained in emergency procedures like neonatal resuscitation?
How does midwifery training differ from a typical obstetric pathway?
Why this matters: Midwives are trained to support normal, healthy pregnancies and births, with skills to recognize and respond to complications. Understanding their training helps you feel confident in their expertise.
Experience & Approach
How many births have you attended as a primary midwife?
What types of complications have you encountered, and how did you handle them?
Why did you become a midwife, and what is your philosophy of care?
Tip: Midwives often spend more time with each client and focus on holistic care—physical, emotional, and social—compared to the standard obstetric model.
Prenatal Care & Support
What does your prenatal care include? How often do we meet, and where?
Do you offer home visits? How can they benefit my pregnancy experience?
How is midwife-led prenatal care different from typical OB appointments?
Consider: Midwives prioritize continuity and relationship-based care, often allowing for longer visits and more personal attention.
Birth Support
Who attends births with you—do you work alone, with a partner, or with assistants?
How many births do you typically attend per month, and why?
What equipment do you bring to a birth? Oxygen? Medications for hemorrhage?
How do you manage emergencies, and do you have a consulting physician if needed?
Why it matters: Midwifery care is designed to support natural birth while being fully prepared for emergencies—knowing the plan ahead of time gives peace of mind.
Postpartum & Beyond
What does postpartum care usually include? How long do you follow families after birth?
How do you support breastfeeding, emotional recovery, and family bonding?
Remember: Midwives often provide extended postpartum support, focusing on the whole family—not just the baby.
Accessibility & Communication
How can I reach you if I have questions or concerns?
Who covers your clients if you are attending another birth or on vacation?
Tip: Open, direct communication is a hallmark of midwifery care, giving families confidence and reassurance throughout pregnancy.
Curiosity & Understanding
What do you wish every parent knew about the midwifery model of care?
What are some common misconceptions about home birth or midwife-led care?
How do you help families feel empowered and informed during pregnancy and birth?
In what ways do you partner with families to make birth more personal and less medicalized?
Insight: These questions help you explore the philosophy behind midwifery—its focus on partnership, informed choice, and supporting natural processes whenever possible.
Choosing the right provider isn’t just about credentials—it’s about trust, alignment with your values, and feeling supported every step of the way. Take your time, ask questions, and know that a midwife’s goal is to empower you and your family through a safe, respectful, and personalized birth experience.