Questions to ask when interviewing Midwifes/OBGYNs for prenatal & birth support
Finding a provider that will support your plans for birth is one of the most important things you can do in birth preparation. When it comes down to it, it can be very challenging to navigate scenarios in pregnancy and birth if you and your provider are not seeing eye to eye. Of course, all decisions regarding your pregnancy and birth are ultimately yours. However, many parents report feelings of guilt or uncertainty if they push back against what their provider suggests.
These scenarios can be easily avoided by finding a provider who not only has a fitting personality, but a fitting birth philosophy. Start with thinking about the location of your birth. If you’re in the Omaha area, you may find this free e-book helpful. Then, meet with a few providers. Here are a list of questions that can help you determine if a provider is a good fit.
What made you decide to pursue a career in maternity care?
What is your c-section rate?
What options do I have in a cesarean (gentle cesarean, skin to skin in OR, etc)?
What are the most common reasons you’d suggest induction?
At what gestational date would you suggest induction?
What is your preferred method of induction?
What percentage of births that you support are unmedicated?
What is your biggest fear in birth?
Do you feel birth plans are necessary?
What are your thoughts on doulas being present during labor?
In addition to your provider as an individual, you must also consider that they likely practice as a part of a group, or within a medical system. Here are other questions to explore, regarding the birthing location and their team.
How likely is it that you will attend my birth? Do you practice call rotation?
How long will you be with me during labor?
What is the cesarean rate of the facility I would be delivering at?
How many births happen per day at this facility?
Is there a NICU onsite?
What options do I have for pain relief? (Epidural, nitrous oxide, birthing tubs, etc)
Is waterbirth supported at this facility? Do you and your team have experience with waterbirth?
After your meeting with a potential provider, take a pause and reflect. How did that meeting make you feel, emotionally? Do you feel supported, excited? Or, did you feel rushed? Did they seem annoyed with all of the questions? If you felt uncomfortable asking all of your questions, that is a red flag. If it isn’t a full body yes- keep looking.
When gathering your birth team, you should not stop at interviewing just one provider. This is true of both midwives/OBs, as well as any doulas, lactation consultants, chiropractors, mental health providers, pelvic floor PT providers, etc! If there was ever a time in your life to feel fully supported, it is now. Ask friends who have had babies what they loved about their provider or their birthing location. Browse local Facebook groups for input. But ultimately, listen to your gut on this one. Your intuition will know.
