The most important thing in choosing a midwife is, as with any caregiver, your comfort level. That said, there are some basic guidelines you may wish to follow when interviewing prospective midwives to ensure that you and she have philosophies that are compatible.

Questions to ask your midwife

About her

• How long have you been practicing?
• Are you licensed?
• Why did you become a midwife?
• What sort of training did you receive?
• How many births have you attended?
• Do you have children?
• Do you have an assistant?

About your care

• How many clients do you take on at a time?
• What is your contingency plan in the event that another mother is in labor at the same time as me?

About tests and emergencies

• What scenerios would indicate transfer to the hospital?
• What percentage of births transfer?
• Do you work with an OB/GYN or hospital?
• Are prenatal tests optional?
• Which tests do you advise?
  

About payment

• What is your fee?
• What does it include?
  
• Do you accept insurance?
• Can we arrange a payment plan?

About location

• Do you offer the option of a birthing center?
• Will you come to my home for prenatal visits?

Water Birth

• Do you offer water birth?