20+ Midwife + Doula Interview Questions

Choosing your birth team is one of the most important decisions you will make during your pregnancy. You want to feel safe, supported, + honored like the queen birthing mama that you are!

I remember going into my first pregnancy with eyes wide open. I had zero idea the difference in philosophy + care between OB-GYNs + midwives — I just knew I needed to go the route of a midwife since I was planning a homebirth. I also knew that I wanted a doula, simply because I had “heard good things” — but what I didn’t realize is how crucial a doula would be for me… looking back, I cannot imagine doing an unmedicated birth without a doula! She was essential.

My greatest encouragement for you is to visualize your ideal birth situation (is it at home, in a hospital, at a birthing center in a water tub, medicated, unmedicated, etc?)… then interview multiple providers who would be able to assist you in fulfilling your vision. If you’re not vibing with someone from your birth team at any point during pregnancy, don’t be afraid to change providers. Trust your intuition [mama’s intuition is strong].

Most of the questions below are with a “homebirth lens” since that’s what I wanted — but take what resonates!

Midwife Questions:

• What is your pregnancy + birth philosophy?
• How long have you been practicing? What inspired you to become a midwife?
• What does your schedule look like for visits pre + post birth?
• How do you prefer to communicate with your clients? *One of my favorite things about my midwife is that she responds to texts almost immediately. I personally would not work with a midwife who preferred email only.
• How many births are you supporting around my due date?
• Do you take insurance? What is the total cost without insurance + any other costs we should expect throughout the process that are not directly with you (example: ultrasounds, labs, etc)? If I transferred care, would any portion of the total cost be refundable?
• What happens if my baby is breached?
• Do you require a doula? Do you have doulas that you like to work with?
• What are natural ways for induction that you like?
• Do you work with a OBGYN? Do you recommend getting a backup OBGYN? If so, who do you recommend?
• Do you come to the birth solo or do you have a team? Who will be present at the birth?
• If you are unable to attend the birth, who would come in your place? Would I meet the midwife beforehand?
• When do you start to head over once I’m laboring? *Note — this is most likely different for first + second time moms
• What percentage of your mamas tear?
• What percentages of your mamas transfer to the hospital? Is there a common theme for transferring? When do you decide to move mamas to the hospital?
• If I (or my baby) have to transfer to the hospital, will you be present with me?
• What tools, medications, + interventions (if any) do you offer in the labor process? What tools do you not use or any available?
• Do you bring a tub?
• What happens right after the birth? How long do you stay for + what does that look like?
• What newborn procedures are offered + what do you recommend?
• Favorite pregnancy resources? Books, childbirth education classes, instagram accounts, etc?
• Note on midwives: I can only speak from personal experience, but I prefer working with a solo midwife (rather than a midwife team). When I was in Chicago, I worked with a team of midwives — each appointment, I had someone different taking care of me (whoever was working that day). That would have been the case for the birth as well… I wouldn’t know who I would be working with until that day! That set up juxtaposed to my care in Santa Monica + getting to deeply know only one midwife — I felt so connected + supported.

Doula Questions:

• What is your pregnancy + birth philosophy?
• How long have you been practicing? What inspired you to become a doula?
• What does your schedule look like for visits pre + post birth?
• How do you prefer to communicate with your clients?
• What is your total cost?
• If you are unable to attend the birth, who would come in your place? Would I meet the doula beforehand?
• How many births are you supporting around my due date?
• What are natural ways for induction that you like?
• When do you start to head over once I’m laboring?
• What are your favorite ways to support (tools + positioning) mamas during birth? What tools will you bring vs anything that you recommend that I buy beforehand? What do you think is the best remedy for painful contractions during birth?
• How do you incorporate my partner or anyone attending my birth while I’m laboring?
• How long do you stay for after birth?
• Do you offer any additional services — placenta encapsulations, baby welcoming ceremony, belly binding, closing of the bones, etc?
• Have you worked with my midwife before? *I think this is the ideal situation if possible, as they know each other’s energies + how to best work together!
• Favorite pregnancy resources? Books, childbirth education classes, instagram accounts, etc?

Someone else to consider adding to your birth team = A PHOTOGRAPHER! I am forever grateful for my birth photos! At the very least, have someone capture photos/videos. I feel endlessly grateful for the video my doula captured during Noah’s birth — a 3 minute video of me birthing Noah into the world + our first moments together! Truly so, so special ❤

Last piece of advice = Have a meeting a few weeks prior to birth with your entire birth team! I wish I had done this! I heard this advice on a podcast [listen to the episode: Pregnancy, Birth, + Postpartum with Dr. Phabillia Afflack — she was actually my backup OB with Noah!] + I loved it. Especially if people from your team don’t know each other yet, it’s a great way to go over your plan + feel the support from your entire team together!

You deserve to have the best birthing team in the world + don’t settle for anything less.

Love,
Elisabeth