What Should You Ask Your Midwife? 50 Important Questions

Choosing the right midwife is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy. The right fit isn’t just about credentials. It’s about finding someone whose philosophy, experience, and communication style match what you need for a safe, supported birth. To help you prepare, we’ve put together 50 essential questions to ask a potential midwife, organized by topic so you can walk into your interview feeling confident and informed.

Use this list as a starting point during your consultations. Jot down the answers, compare providers, and trust your instincts about who feels like the right partner for this journey.

1. Credentials, Experience & Trust

Before anything else, you want to know who you’re working with. These questions help you evaluate a midwife’s training, track record, and reputation.

What type of midwife are you: CNM, CPM, or Licensed Midwife?

Midwives are trained and credentialed differently depending on their certification. A Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) holds a nursing degree plus graduate-level midwifery training and can typically practice in hospitals, birth centers, and homes. A Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) specializes in out-of-hospital birth. A Licensed Midwife (LM) designation varies by state. Knowing which credential your provider holds helps you understand their scope of practice and where they’re legally permitted to attend births.

What are your qualifications and experience in midwifery?

Understanding your midwife’s educational background and professional experience is essential to ensure they possess the knowledge and skills necessary to guide you through your pregnancy and delivery.

How many births have you attended, and what is your delivery success rate?

This question provides insight into the midwife’s experience and competence, offering a clearer picture of their ability to handle various birth situations.

Are you licensed and insured?

Licensing and insurance are crucial for legal and ethical reasons, and they demonstrate the midwife’s commitment to professional standards.

What does your malpractice/liability insurance actually cover?

Beyond simply being “insured,” ask what the coverage includes and whether it meets your state’s requirements. This protects you in the rare event that something goes wrong and clarifies what recourse you’d have.

What is your philosophy on pregnancy and childbirth?

Understanding your midwife’s perspective on pregnancy and childbirth helps determine if their approach aligns with your preferences and values.

Can you provide references from past clients?

Speaking with former clients offers a firsthand account of the midwife’s services, allowing you to gauge their professionalism, expertise, and compatibility.

2. Practice Logistics & Availability

These questions clarify how the working relationship will actually function, including where you’ll give birth, how to reach your midwife, and what happens if plans change.

Where do you practice: home birth, birth center, hospital, or all three?

Midwives differ in the settings they support. Some work exclusively in-hospital, others focus on home or birth-center births, and some offer all three. Confirming this upfront ensures your desired birth setting is actually available to you.

What prenatal care services do you provide?

Discussing the range of prenatal care services ensures the midwife can meet your specific needs throughout pregnancy.

What is your availability during my due date window, and how can I contact you?

Clarifying your midwife’s availability during your expected delivery period ensures they can support you when needed, while also discussing communication methods for emergencies and non-urgent concerns.

Will you be the one attending my birth, or could someone else from your practice be present?

Knowing who will be present during your delivery is important for establishing trust and rapport with the individual responsible for your care.

Do you have a backup midwife, and what is their experience and approach to care?

Knowing the qualifications and approach of a potential backup midwife can help you feel confident in the continuity of care should your primary midwife be unavailable.

What is your policy on home visits during pregnancy and postpartum?

Discussing the midwife’s availability for home visits can help you understand the extent of their support during your pregnancy and recovery.

3. Labor & Delivery Approach

These are the questions that get to the heart of how your midwife will actually support you through active labor and birth.

What is your approach to pain management during labor?

Discussing pain management options and your midwife’s stance on interventions will help determine if their approach aligns with your preferences.

How do you support mothers who desire a physiologic (unmedicated) birth?

If a physiologic birth is your goal, understanding the midwife’s experience and philosophy regarding this option can help ensure they will advocate for your wishes.

What is your experience with VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?

If you’re considering a VBAC, it’s crucial to find a midwife with relevant experience and knowledge to support you through the process.

What is your policy on post-term pregnancies and inductions?

Understanding the midwife’s approach to managing post-term pregnancies and inductions can help you make informed decisions should your pregnancy extend beyond your due date.

What is your experience handling medical emergencies, and when do you transfer care to a hospital?

Assessing the midwife’s expertise in managing emergencies and their protocol for transferring care to a hospital is crucial for ensuring a prompt response to any unexpected situations during labor and delivery.

What types of monitoring do you use during labor?

Discussing labor monitoring methods allows you to understand how the midwife assesses the well-being of both mother and baby during the birthing process.

What is your position on the use of medical interventions during labor and delivery?

Understanding the midwife’s perspective on medical interventions will help you evaluate if their approach aligns with your preferences and beliefs.

Do you support water birth, and what is your experience with this method?

If you’re considering a water birth, understanding your midwife’s experience and ability to support this option is crucial.

How do you address concerns about labor progression and the possibility of stalled labor?

Understanding the midwife’s approach to managing labor progression and stalled labor can help alleviate anxiety and ensure you receive appropriate care during labor.

How do you address perineal support and the potential need for suturing?

Understanding the midwife’s approach to perineal support and lacerations can help you make informed decisions about your care during labor and delivery.

How do you handle situations requiring neonatal resuscitation?

Inquiring about the midwife’s experience and protocols for neonatal resuscitation can help ensure your baby receives prompt care if necessary.

4. Prenatal Care & Testing

How do you monitor the baby’s and mother’s wellbeing during pregnancy?

Asking about monitoring practices highlights the midwife’s commitment to proactive care and risk assessment.

How do you handle high-risk pregnancies or complications?

Understanding the midwife’s approach to high-risk pregnancies and potential complications can help you evaluate their ability to manage unexpected challenges during pregnancy and childbirth.

What is your policy on prenatal testing and screenings?

Understanding the midwife’s approach to prenatal testing and screenings allows you to make informed decisions regarding your pregnancy care.

How do you handle Group B Strep (GBS) testing and treatment?

Inquiring about GBS testing and treatment protocols ensures that the midwife follows evidence-based practices to minimize the risk of infection during delivery.

What are your recommendations for maintaining a healthy pregnancy through nutrition and exercise?

Discussing the midwife’s guidance on nutrition and exercise can help you develop a healthy lifestyle that supports your pregnancy.

Do you offer childbirth education classes, or recommend any in the community?

Childbirth education classes can help prepare you for labor and delivery, so it’s important to know if your midwife offers them or can recommend reputable options in your area.

How do you address common pregnancy concerns like morning sickness, heartburn, or back pain?

Understanding your midwife’s approach to managing common pregnancy symptoms can help ensure you receive appropriate care and support throughout your pregnancy.

5. Newborn & Postpartum Care

How do you support breastfeeding, and can you provide lactation consultation?

If you plan to breastfeed, discussing your midwife’s experience with lactation support and consultation can help ensure they are equipped to assist you after birth.

What postpartum care services do you provide?

Inquiring about the range of postpartum care services will help ensure the midwife can meet your needs during your recovery period.

How long will you stay with me after the birth?

Clarifying the midwife’s post-birth availability helps you understand the level of support you can expect during the critical hours after delivery.

How do you handle newborn care and assessments?

Knowing how the midwife addresses newborn care and assessments ensures that your baby’s health is prioritized after birth.

What is your policy on delayed cord clamping and cord blood banking?

Discussing the midwife’s stance on delayed cord clamping and cord blood banking can help you make informed decisions about your baby’s immediate post-birth care.

What is your policy on routine newborn procedures (eye ointment, vitamin K, newborn screening)?

Discussing the midwife’s approach to routine newborn procedures helps ensure that your preferences are respected and that your baby receives evidence-based care.

What is your policy on skin-to-skin contact immediately after birth?

Discussing the midwife’s stance on skin-to-skin contact can help ensure a positive bonding experience between you and your baby after birth.

How do you handle postpartum depression screening and support?

Asking about postpartum depression screening and support services can help ensure your emotional well-being is prioritized after birth.

What is your policy on vaccinations for newborns?

Understanding the midwife’s stance on vaccinations can help you make informed decisions regarding your baby’s healthcare.

How do you support and educate parents on infant sleep and safe sleep practices?

Discussing your midwife’s approach to infant sleep and safe sleep practices can help ensure you are well-informed and prepared to care for your baby.

What is your policy on circumcision, and do you perform the procedure if desired?

Understanding the midwife’s position on circumcision and their ability to perform the procedure can help you make informed decisions about your baby’s care.

How do you handle postpartum hemorrhage and other post-birth complications?

Understanding the midwife’s expertise and protocols for managing postpartum complications is essential for ensuring prompt and appropriate care.

Can you provide resources and recommendations for pediatric care after birth?

Inquiring about pediatric care resources can help you establish a support network for your baby’s ongoing healthcare needs.

6. Family, Cost & Practical Considerations

What is your policy on involving family members and support persons?

Discussing the midwife’s approach to involving your support system can help create a comfortable and inclusive environment for your pregnancy and childbirth experience.

Do you provide assistance with creating a birth plan?

A midwife who offers guidance in developing a personalized birth plan can help ensure your preferences and wishes are respected during labor and delivery.

How do you collaborate with other healthcare providers (OBs, pediatricians, doulas)?

Understanding the midwife’s approach to collaboration with other healthcare providers is essential for ensuring comprehensive and well-coordinated care throughout your pregnancy and postpartum period.

What are your fees, and what do they include? Are payment plans available?

Discussing the midwife’s fees, the services included, and potential payment plans will help you assess the financial aspects of their care.

Do you accept insurance, and can you help with claims?

Determining if the midwife accepts insurance and offers support with the claims process can help alleviate potential financial burdens.

What is your policy on returning to work after birth, and do you offer support for this transition?

Discussing the midwife’s stance on returning to work and their ability to support you during this transition can help you make informed decisions about balancing work and family life.

Ready to Find the Right Midwife for You?

Asking these questions will give you a thorough understanding of a prospective midwife’s experience, philosophy, and approach to care. This is invaluable information for choosing the right partner to guide and support you through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond.

Have more questions about what to expect from midwifery care? Contact us today to schedule a consultation and see if we’re the right fit for your birth journey.