Interviewing and Choosing a Midwife

Choosing a Midwife for Your Birth

If your pregnancy begins low-risk and stays that way, you may prefer a choosing a midwife for a high touch, low-tech birth. If you are in good health, had no complications with previous births, and the medical system in your community is set up for midwife-attended births, then this alternative may be a consideration. When interviewing and choosing a midwife, ask the following questions:

Questions to Ask a Midwife

• Where did you receive your education in midwifery? Are you also a nurse?
• Are you certified and by whom? Are you licensed?
• How long have you practiced? How many births have you attended?
• May I have the names of several mothers as references?
• Who is your backup doctor? May I meet this person ahead of time?
• What percentage of time is this doctor called in to assist?
• How long will it take the doctor to get to me in case of emergency?
• Who covers if you are on vacation or with another mother?
• Do you carry a pager?
• At what point during labor do I call you?
• What arrangements do you have to transport a home birthing mother or baby to the hospital if necessary?
• Are you certified in newborn resuscitation?
• Are you experienced at manually turning a baby who is presenting in a posterior position?
• What are your fees? Is the doctor’s fee included in the fee I pay you?
• Do you offer postpartum care?

How To Find a Midwife

Check the following resources for finding and choosing a midwife in your community: