100 Questions to Ask a Midwife

Choosing a midwife is such an important part of your pregnancy journey. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your family, having the right questions can make all the difference. It’s all about feeling comfortable and confident in the care you’ll receive.

Here’s a list of thoughtful questions to ask your potential midwife. These will help you understand their care philosophy, their experience, and how they’ll support you and your baby.

Pregnancy and Childbirth Preparation

1. What services do you provide during pregnancy?
2. How often will I need to visit you?
3. What should I expect during my prenatal visits?
4. What can I do to prepare for a healthy pregnancy?
5. How will you help me manage pregnancy symptoms?
6. What are the signs of labor that I should look out for?
7. How can I make my labor and delivery smoother?
8. What birthing techniques do you recommend?
9. How will you assist me during labor and delivery?
10. What should I pack in my hospital bag?
11. What are the best ways to stay active during pregnancy?
12. How can I ensure good nutrition for me and my baby?
13. What should I avoid during pregnancy?
14. How do you handle high-risk pregnancies?
15. What childbirth education classes do you recommend?
16. How can I manage stress during pregnancy?
17. How do you support mental health during pregnancy?
18. What should I do if I experience unusual symptoms?
19. How do you prepare parents for the postpartum period?
20. What tips do you have for a comfortable pregnancy?

Healthcare Provider Selection

1. What are your qualifications and certifications?
2. How many births have you attended?
3. Can you provide references from other patients?
4. What is your approach to prenatal care?
5. What is your philosophy on childbirth?
6. Do you work alone or with a team?
7. How can I reach you in an emergency?
8. Do you offer home birth services?
9. What hospitals or birthing centers do you work with?
10. What is your experience with natural childbirth?
11. How do you handle pain management?
12. What is your policy on birth interventions?
13. Are you covered by my insurance?
14. How do you communicate with other healthcare providers?
15. What are your fees and payment plans?
16. How long will you stay with me during labor?
17. What is your approach to postpartum care?
18. If you are unavailable, who will cover for you?
19. How do you involve partners in the birth experience?
20. What are your policies on labor and delivery?

Understanding Midwifery Services

1. What services do you offer during labor and delivery?
2. What is the role of a midwife in prenatal care?
3. How do midwives differ from obstetricians?
4. How do you support natural birthing methods?
5. Can you assist with breastfeeding after birth?
6. What is your approach to pain relief during labor?
7. How do you monitor the baby’s health during pregnancy?
8. What prenatal tests do you recommend?
9. How do you support women with special health needs?
10. How do you handle childbirth emergencies?
11. What is your experience with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?
12. What postpartum care do you provide?
13. How do you support women with multiple pregnancies?
14. What is your role in family planning and contraception?
15. How do you help manage postpartum depression?
16. What are your views on epidurals?
17. How do you handle unexpected complications?
18. What are your policies on cesarean sections?
19. How can you support a home birth?
20. How do you work with doulas?

Safety and Medical Assurance During Pregnancy and Birth

1. How do you handle medical emergencies during birth?
2. What is your protocol for high-risk pregnancies?
3. How do you ensure the safety of both mother and baby?
4. What equipment do you bring to a home birth?
5. How do you monitor the baby’s health during labor?
6. What are the most common complications you deal with?
7. How do you handle pain management without medication?
8. What is your plan if there are complications during delivery?
9. How do you manage postpartum hemorrhage?
10. How do you work with hospital staff during a transfer?
11. What is your infection control protocol?
12. How do you support women with preexisting conditions?
13. How do you handle neonatal resuscitation?
14. What is your procedure for managing premature labor?
15. How do you ensure a sterile environment during birth?
16. What are your policies on informed consent?
17. How do you handle fetal distress?
18. What is your experience with GBS (Group B Strep)?
19. How do you manage gestational diabetes?
20. What is your training in emergency childbirth procedures?

Personalized Birth Planning

1. Can we create a birth plan together?
2. How do you support my birth preferences?
3. What options do I have for pain relief?
4. How can you support a natural birth experience?
5. What are my choices for birthing positions?
6. How can I make my birthing environment more comfortable?
7. Can my partner be involved in the birth process?
8. What alternative therapies do you offer?
9. How can I include cultural or religious practices in my birth plan?
10. What is your position on delayed cord clamping?
11. How do you support immediate skin-to-skin contact?
12. Can I have a water birth?
13. How do you assist with breastfeeding immediately after birth?
14. What is your approach to newborn care?
15. How can we involve siblings in the birthing process?
16. What is your stance on episiotomies?
17. How do you support laboring at home before going to the hospital?
18. What is your procedure for elective inductions?
19. How can we plan for a calm and peaceful postpartum experience?
20. How do you accommodate special requests during birth?