I came across my list of questions that I asked my Midwife at our consultation. She let me ask every single question, answered them thoroughly and did not rush me for the hour and a half we were there. I think this is all of them, but I might be missing a paper since they were not attached. Some of these questions my not apply to your specific situation. Some good questions to ask, Anyhow. Enjoy!
- How often will you want to see me for prenatal visits?
- Do all visits take place in your office?
- What days/times do you schedule visits?
- How much time is usually allowed for visits?
- At what point in labor do you want us to call you?
- At what point in labor will you head to our home?
- Do you have a birth ball or other equipment that you will bring?
- Can you tell us about the birth kit and medications you will bring to the birth?
- Is oxygen carried to all births?
- What do you consider ‘slowly progressing labor’ and how do you handle it?
- Under what circumstances do you recommend induction?
- What methods do you suggest to induce labor under those circumstances?
- What are your protocols for breaking the bag of waters?
- What do you consider prolonged pushing and how to you handle it?
- What is your protocol regarding fetal monitoring during labor?
- How do you feel about a Doula being present at the birth?
- What comfort measures do you encourage during labor?
- How do you feel about eating/drinking during labor?
- Are there any restrictions on photography or video-taping during labor/birth?
- Do you have anything against the baby being birthed into my hands, or my Husband’s hands?
- How hands-on are you during labor? Do you insert any past of your fingers or hands into the vagina during the active pushing stage?
- Do you support newborn assessments being done in my arms and after bonding?
- What are our options when it comes to opting out of the Vitamin K and eye ointment?
- Do you give a Hep B shot?
- Will you deliver breech?
- How far past the ‘due date’ will you deliver?
- What do you use to stop a postpartum hemorrhage?
- If there is a complication or emergency, are you able to accompany us to the hospital?
- What problems/issues will you handle on your own and what would require a transfer to the hospital?
- What are your infant/mother mortality rates?
- What is your hospital transfer rate?
- How do you feel about water birth?
- How many water births have you attended?
- Any water birth concerns or past complications?
- What is the desired schedule for follow-up care?
- How is the filing of the birth certificate handled?
I could probably come up with 4 more to make this post ‘40 questions to ask a potential midwife’ but I’m feelin’ a little lazy 😛
Have some questions to add? Leave it in a comment for others to see!
Naturally Mama. 