How to Interview a Midwife

Choosing a midwife to guide you through pregnancy, labor and delivery is one of the most important decisions you may ever make. You must find a midwife who is not only qualified, but who shares your birthing philosophy and makes you feel comfortable. The best way to determine whether a midwife is right for your family is to conduct a personal interview.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Ask the midwife whether she considers you a good candidate for her services. If you or your baby have certain medical conditions that categorize your pregnancy as high-risk, a midwife may not be able to take you on as a client.

2. Get detailed information about the midwife's credentials. Ask her whether she's licensed by the state in which you plan to deliver and certified by the American College of Nurse Midwives or the North American Registry of Midwives. Don't hesitate to ask for proof of her qualifications and certifications.

3. Request basic information about routine visits for prenatal care during the interview. Find out how many times the midwife sees patients during their pregnancy and which tests and procedures she recommends and routinely performs. Inquire about cost and determine whether your insurance covers the midwife's services.

4. Learn about specific procedures for patients who encounter an emergency. Ask the midwife how to reach her in case of emergency. Find out who covers for her when she is unavailable and get information about their credentials. You also need to know to which doctor the midwife refers patients who need a higher level of care than she can offer.

5. Find out where the midwife's patients give birth. If you can choose between a hospital, a birthing center and home, ask the midwife about the costs and benefits of each in your particular case. If you plan to deliver in a hospital, make sure the midwife has admitting privileges. If you prefer a birthing center, ensure that the one she uses is accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Birth Centers or another agency.

6. Determine how the midwife views her role during the labor and delivery process. A midwife generally prefers a noninvasive approach, but find out how much intervention she can provide if necessary, such as the administration of pain medication. Figure out what your options are for delivery, such as water birth and alternative birthing positions.

7. Talk to the midwife about what to expect after delivery. Find out whether you can stay with your baby after birth, what procedures the midwife conducts to monitor fetal health and whether she can provide breastfeeding assistance.

Tips & Warnings

• If your insurance does not cover the midwife's services, ask her about payment plans. Midwives tend to be more affordable than Ob/Gyn's and often have more flexible payment options. Many midwives also accept Medicaid.
• Write down your interview questions in advance and be prepared to ask them quickly. Many midwives only provide 15 minutes consultations, so pose your most pressing questions first. If you do have a short visit, reserve questions about financial matters for those in the front office.
• If the midwife works in a practice with physicians, find out how likely it is that she will assist in your labor and delivery. If she is unavailable when you go into labor, make sure there is another midwife in the practice who can take her place.
• If you desire a test or procedure that the midwife does not provide, find out whether she can refer you to another provider for the procedure.
• If your midwife does not offer childbirth classes, ask her to recommend a class to you. You may also want to get referrals for basic childcare and basic breastfeeding classes.

Resources

• Find a midwife through the American College of Nurse-Midwives

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[bookmom]

on 6/4/2008 Really thoughtful article, well done and researched.