So you’ve decided you want to have a home birth.. Now what?!
Before you start any preparations, it is vital to get a clear vision of what you hope for in your ideal birth environment. Visualizing your dream birth can help you to identify your preferences and expectations for your home birth experience. This will allow you to communicate your vision to prospective midwives and determine if their approach aligns with your desires.
Once you’ve centered on the essence of your desired birth, the next step is to research and interview midwives in your local area who can help support that vision. There are several factors to consider, such as experience, qualifications, and approach to birth. That’s why it’s important to take the time to explore and talk with midwives to ensure that you find the right one for you.
In this post, we’ll provide you with some ideas of interview questions for your midwife, so you can make an informed decision and feel confident in your choice.
Get to know your prospective midwife!
It’s important to get a better understanding personally of your midwife to make sure you align in birth preferences.
What is your personal birth philosophy?
What inspired you to get into this work?
What do you love about this work? What don’t you love?
What is your training or certifications?
What kind of births do you support? IE: Low risk only? Or HBAC? Other?
Do you have references that I can reach out to?
Financial
Most homebirth midwives do not take insurance, so it is crucial to get a clear understanding on their pricing, what’s included in their package, and what is not.
What is the total cost of care?
What is included in your package?
Are there any additional costs? Nurses charges etc.
What supplies will I need to purchase? Do you have birth kits available for purchase?
Do you offer any rentals?
How do you take payments?
When is money due?
Prenatals
What is your prenatal care like?
How often are visits?
Do we meet in an office or do you come to my home?
What kind of scans, testings do you offer?
Do you offer home birth classes or suggest classes to take?
Labor and Delivery
What birth supplies will you provide on the day of birth?
At what time during my labor do I call you?
Do you facilitate water births?
Do you have experience with herbs or other options of comfort for labor?
Do you have hospital privileges? If so, where?
What is your hospital transfer rate?
Will you come to the hospital in the event of a transfer?
What’s your support team like? Extra midwives, nurses, birth attendants etc.
How long do you stay after birth?
Birth Certificate – do you provide or how do I file?
What to do with the placenta? Do you offer encapsulation or suggestions for it?
Postpartum Care
Do you or a team member come after birth? How soon?
How many visits do you offer?
Do I come to you, or do you come to my home?
Do you offer breastfeeding support?
Mental Health support?
Utilize this list and customize it with your vision in mind!
Remember to ask questions, voice your concerns, and trust your instincts when making your final decision. With the right midwife by your side, you can feel confident and empowered throughout your home birth journey.
Written By: Ashley Jacobs