8 Essential Questions to Ask a Midwife in 2026

Choosing a midwife is one of the most significant decisions you'll make during your pregnancy. It’s about finding a trusted partner who not only aligns with your birth philosophy but also has the clinical expertise to ensure a safe and supportive experience for you and your baby. But with so many options, how do you find the right fit? The process starts with asking the right questions. Think of it less like a formal job interview and more like a key conversation to see if your values and expectations line up.

This guide moves beyond the basics. We’ve compiled a list of practical questions to ask a midwife at every stage, from the initial consultation through pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. Each question is designed to give you a clear, actionable understanding of their practice, philosophy, and approach to care. This isn't just about checking boxes. It's about building a relationship founded on trust, communication, and shared goals. The insights you gain from these conversations will help you make an informed choice for your birth team. As you navigate these interviews and prepare for birth, discussions about practicalities will come up, including details like knowing what to pack in your hospital bag.

This listicle will give you the specific inquiries needed to assess everything from their experience with your unique health situation to their emergency protocols and postpartum support systems. Use these questions as your roadmap to finding a provider who will not only champion your birth plan but also guide you confidently through one of life’s most transformative journeys. Let's dive into the essential questions that will help you find your perfect match.

1. What is your experience and credentials in midwifery?

This is one of the most critical questions to ask a midwife before you commit to their care. Understanding their professional background, training, and qualifications provides the foundation for trust and ensures they meet the legal and safety standards for practice in your area. This question helps you gauge their level of expertise and whether their specific skill set aligns with your health needs and birth preferences.

A midwife's title can mean different things depending on their training pathway and state regulations. For instance, a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM) is a registered nurse with graduate-level education in midwifery, while a Certified Professional Midwife (CPM) is trained specifically in out-of-hospital birth settings. Knowing which credentials they hold clarifies their scope of practice.

Why This Question is Essential

Asking about credentials isn't just a formality. It’s about safety, competency, and peace of mind. A well-qualified midwife will be transparent about their education, certifications, and experience, including how long they've been practicing and the number of births they have attended. This conversation sets the tone for an open and trusting relationship, which is vital for your pregnancy and birth journey.

Actionable Tips for Your Interview

When you discuss their background, dig a little deeper with targeted follow-up questions. This ensures you have a complete understanding of their qualifications.

• Ask for Specific Credentials. Inquire about their specific title, such as CNM, CM, or CPM. Ask to see copies of their state license and national certifications.
• Inquire About Professional Memberships. Are they a member of organizations like the American College of Nurse-Midwives (ACNM) or the Midwives Alliance of North America (MANA)? Membership often indicates a commitment to professional standards and ongoing education.
• Discuss Continuing Education. Ask how they stay current with the latest evidence-based practices. Midwives are often required to complete a certain number of continuing education hours to maintain their license.
• Request Client References. Speaking with former clients can provide invaluable insight into their care style and professionalism. For a deeper dive into the selection process, you can explore more on how to find the right midwife for your family.

2. What is your philosophy about birth and your approach to labor management?

This is one of the most fundamental questions to ask a midwife, as their answer reveals their core beliefs about the birthing process. It helps you understand whether they view birth as a natural, physiological event or a medical one requiring active management. Aligning your own values with your midwife’s philosophy is crucial for building a supportive and trusting relationship that honors your wishes for labor and delivery.

A midwife's philosophy directly influences how they manage labor, from their stance on interventions to their preferred methods for pain relief. For example, a midwife who deeply trusts the natural process might encourage freedom of movement, hydrotherapy, and intermittent monitoring. Another might be more comfortable integrating medical pain relief options. Understanding their approach ensures there are no surprises during labor.

Why This Question is Essential

Clarifying a midwife’s philosophy from the outset helps you determine if their style of care is a good match for your personal preferences. This conversation goes beyond a simple checklist. It opens a dialogue about autonomy, informed consent, and how you will work together as a team. Knowing their stance on interventions like induction or episiotomy will help you feel more confident and in control of your birth experience.

Actionable Tips for Your Interview

Use this question as a starting point to explore the practical applications of their philosophy. The goal is to see how their beliefs translate into real-world care during your labor.

• Ask About Intervention Rates. Inquire about their personal or practice's rates for interventions such as C-sections, inductions, and episiotomies. This provides concrete data to back up their philosophical statements.
• Discuss Pain Management Options. Ask how they support various pain management preferences, from natural techniques like breathing and positioning to pharmacological options, if applicable.
• Explore Their Approach to a Long Labor. How do they define a "prolonged" labor, and what steps do they typically take to support the birthing person and baby?
• Clarify Emergency Protocols. A key part of any birth philosophy is a clear, calm plan for when things deviate from the norm. Ask how they handle emergencies and what their hospital transfer process looks like. For more guidance on outlining these preferences, you can find valuable tips on how to create a birth plan.

3. What is your transfer rate and under what circumstances would you transfer care?

This is one of the most practical questions to ask a midwife, especially if you are planning an out-of-hospital birth. "Transfer of care" refers to the process of moving from midwifery care to a physician or hospital-based setting. Understanding a midwife's transfer rate and their specific protocols for when and why this happens provides key insight into their risk assessment, decision-making process, and collaboration with the broader medical community.

A transfer is not a failure but a sign that the system is working to ensure the highest level of safety for you and your baby. Midwives are experts in normal, low-risk birth, and a key part of their role is recognizing when a situation is moving outside that scope. A thoughtful, well-defined transfer plan is a hallmark of a responsible and professional midwife.

Why This Question is Essential

Discussing transfers demystifies the process and helps you prepare for all potential outcomes. It allows you to understand your midwife's clinical judgment and how they handle situations that require medical intervention. Knowing their specific statistics and most common reasons for transfer, such as a prolonged labor or concerns about the baby's heart rate, helps you trust that they are prioritizing safety above all else. This conversation ensures you are aligned on what a safe and well-managed birth looks like.

Actionable Tips for Your Interview

When you discuss transfers, it's important to understand both the statistics and the human element of how they are handled. Use these follow-up questions to get a complete picture.

• Ask for Specific Practice Statistics. Inquire about their total transfer rate, and ask them to break it down into non-urgent (pre-labor or early labor) versus urgent transfers. A typical rate for low-risk, first-time parents in an out-of-hospital setting can range from 15-25%.
• Discuss Common Reasons for Transfer. Ask what the most frequent reasons for transfer are in their practice. Common examples include prolonged labor, maternal exhaustion, or the need for pain relief like an epidural.
• Understand Their Decision-Making Process. Ask how they communicate the need for a transfer. Who makes the final decision, and how are you involved in that conversation?
• Inquire About Continuity of Care. Clarify their role if a transfer occurs. Will they accompany you to the hospital? Can they continue to provide labor support, advocacy, and postpartum care even if an OB takes over medical management? This is a key part of what makes midwifery care unique.

4. How will you monitor my baby's well-being during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum?

Understanding how a midwife will monitor your health and your baby's health is fundamental to ensuring a safe and positive experience. This question delves into the specific clinical methods, technologies, and schedules they use throughout your journey, from the first prenatal appointment to the final postpartum check-up. It helps you assess their approach to routine care, risk assessment, and emergency preparedness.

Midwifery care is known for its hands-on, low-intervention approach, but this does not mean it lacks thorough clinical oversight. Midwives are trained to use a variety of tools and techniques to track fetal growth, heart tones, and positioning, as well as maternal vitals. Knowing their specific protocols for prenatal testing, labor monitoring, and postpartum follow-up ensures you are comfortable with their level of care and that it aligns with your expectations for safety and support.

Why This Question is Essential

This is one of the most important questions to ask a midwife because it directly addresses the clinical safety of their practice. A clear monitoring plan demonstrates their commitment to evidence-based care and their ability to identify potential complications early. It also empowers you to be an active participant in your care, as you will understand what is being checked, why it is important, and what the results mean for you and your baby.

Actionable Tips for Your Interview

When discussing monitoring protocols, get specific about their practices during each phase of your care. This will give you a complete picture of what to expect.

• Clarify the Prenatal Testing Timeline. Ask which tests are standard (like anatomy scans) and which are optional (like genetic screening). Inquire about when these tests are typically offered.
• Discuss Fetal Monitoring During Labor. Ask if they use intermittent auscultation with a Doppler or continuous electronic fetal monitoring. Understand their criteria for escalating monitoring if concerns arise.
• Outline the Postpartum Visit Schedule. A typical schedule might include home visits on days 1, 3, and a follow-up around 2 and 6 weeks postpartum. Confirm the schedule and what is assessed during these visits for both you and the baby.
• Ask About Urgent Signs. Inquire about the specific symptoms that should prompt you to contact them immediately between appointments, such as changes in fetal movement or signs of preeclampsia.
• Understand Their Equipment. Ask what monitoring equipment they bring to a home birth or have available at their birth center. This gives you confidence in their ability to handle various situations.

5. What is included in your fees and what are my financial responsibilities?

Understanding the complete financial picture is a crucial step when choosing a midwife. This question helps you clarify all associated costs upfront, from prenatal care and birth attendance to postpartum follow-ups, preventing unexpected bills later. It ensures you know exactly what services are covered by their standard fee and what might incur additional charges, such as lab work, birth supplies, or assistant fees.

Discussing finances openly allows you to budget effectively for your birth experience. Midwifery care costs can vary significantly based on the practice setting (home, birth center, or hospital), the midwife's experience, and your geographical location. Getting a clear, written agreement on fees and payment schedules provides financial peace of mind, allowing you to focus on your pregnancy.

Why This Question is Essential

Asking about fees is about more than just the final number. It’s about transparency and ensuring there are no surprises. A professional midwife will provide a detailed breakdown of their fee structure, payment policies, and what happens financially if circumstances change, like needing to transfer care to a hospital. This conversation establishes clear expectations and helps you compare different providers to find one that fits your budget and care needs.

Actionable Tips for Your Interview

When discussing the financial aspect of their care, use these follow-up questions to get a complete and clear understanding of your responsibilities.

• Request an Itemized Fee Schedule. Ask for a written document that lists every service included in their global fee. This should cover all prenatal visits, labor and birth attendance, and postpartum care.
• Inquire About Payment Plans. Many midwives offer flexible payment schedules. Ask if they require a deposit, what the installment plan looks like, and when the final payment is due.
• Clarify Refund Policies. Life is unpredictable. Ask what their policy is regarding refunds if you move or need to transfer care for medical reasons before the birth.
• Verify Insurance Coverage. If you plan to use insurance, ask if they are in-network with your provider or if they can provide you with the necessary documentation to file an out-of-network claim yourself. You should always verify coverage directly with your insurance plan. For a comprehensive overview, you can learn more about the factors that influence midwife costs.

6. How do you handle complications or emergencies, and what is your collaboration model with physicians?

While midwifery care is centered on low-risk pregnancy and normal birth, this is a crucial question to ask a midwife. It addresses their preparedness for unexpected events and clarifies their safety protocols. Understanding how they manage situations that deviate from the norm, their emergency response capabilities, and their relationships with physicians will give you confidence in their ability to provide safe, comprehensive care.

A well-prepared midwife has clear, established protocols for common and rare complications, from postpartum hemorrhage to a baby needing resuscitation. They should also have a solid, collaborative relationship with one or more obstetricians or a hospital, ensuring a smooth transition of care if a higher level of medical intervention becomes necessary. This isn't about fearing the worst. It's about planning for the safest possible outcome.

Why This Question is Essential

This question reveals a midwife's commitment to safety, risk management, and integrated healthcare. It shows that they recognize the boundaries of their scope of practice and value collaboration with other medical professionals. A midwife who can clearly articulate their emergency plan demonstrates foresight, professionalism, and a dedication to protecting the well-being of both you and your baby. This conversation is foundational to building trust in their ability to navigate any scenario that may arise.

Actionable Tips for Your Interview

When discussing their approach to complications, use specific follow-up questions to understand their protocols and professional network fully.

• Ask About Specific Scenarios. Inquire about their protocols for handling specific complications like postpartum hemorrhage, shoulder dystocia, or neonatal resuscitation. Ask about their training and certifications in these areas, such as NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation Program).
• Clarify Physician Collaboration. Ask for the names of their consulting physicians and the hospital they transfer to. Inquire how they facilitate a transfer and whether they continue to provide support at the hospital. This integration is a key difference in the scope of practice explored when comparing a midwife vs. an obstetrician.
• Inquire About Emergency Equipment. Ask what emergency equipment they bring to a birth, such as oxygen, resuscitation tools, and anti-hemorrhagic medications.
• Discuss Their Transfer Rate. Asking what percentage of their clients transfer to the hospital during labor or postpartum can provide insight into their risk assessment and management style.

7. What is your approach to postpartum care and mental health support?

The transition after birth, often called the "fourth trimester," is a critical period of physical recovery and profound emotional adjustment. A midwife's role doesn't end when your baby arrives. Their approach to postpartum care is a key indicator of their commitment to your holistic well-being. This question helps you understand how they support families through physical healing, infant care, breastfeeding, and mental health challenges.

Comprehensive postpartum care involves regular check-ins that go beyond a single six-week visit. Leading midwifery models include multiple home or office visits to monitor both parent and baby. For example, a common schedule includes visits on day 1, days 3-5, days 7-10, and again around 4-6 weeks postpartum. This consistent contact ensures any emerging issues, from lactation difficulties to signs of postpartum depression, are identified and addressed promptly.

Why This Question is Essential

Asking about postpartum support is about ensuring you have a safety net during a vulnerable time. The postpartum period can be overwhelming, and having a trusted provider who actively monitors your physical and mental health is invaluable. A midwife with a robust postpartum protocol demonstrates an understanding that care must extend well beyond delivery to ensure the long-term health of your entire family.

Actionable Tips for Your Interview

When discussing postpartum care, you want to get a clear picture of what the weeks following birth will look like. Use these targeted questions to understand their specific support system.

• Ask for Their Postpartum Visit Schedule. Inquire about the frequency and location (home vs. office) of postpartum visits. Clarify how long their support extends after the birth.
• Inquire About Mental Health Screening. Ask if they use standardized screening tools, like the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and how they facilitate conversations about emotional well-being.
• Discuss Their Lactation Support. Find out what level of breastfeeding support is included. Do they offer in-house lactation consultations, or do they have a network of trusted specialists for referrals?
• Clarify Their Referral Process. Ask how they handle situations that require additional support, such as referring clients to therapists, pelvic floor specialists, or support groups. You can discover more about the comprehensive role a midwife plays during the postpartum period.

8. What is your experience with my specific situation (age, health conditions, multiple pregnancy, etc.)?

While a midwife's general experience is important, their specific expertise with your unique health profile is paramount. This question helps you determine if a midwife is equipped to handle your individual circumstances, whether that involves advanced maternal age, a history of gestational diabetes, a desire for a Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), or a multiple pregnancy. It ensures their skills align directly with your personal health needs and potential risks.

Every pregnancy is different, and certain factors require specialized knowledge and care protocols. A midwife who is well-versed in managing pregnancies like yours will be better prepared to provide safe, effective, and confident support. For instance, a midwife experienced with VBACs will understand the nuances of monitoring labor and promoting a successful trial of labor. This targeted experience can significantly influence your birth outcome and overall satisfaction.

Why This Question is Essential

This question moves beyond general qualifications to assess practical competency for your pregnancy. It's about ensuring the person guiding you through this journey has navigated similar paths before and understands the specific challenges and monitoring requirements that may arise. A midwife’s confidence and prior success in handling cases like yours can provide immense reassurance and contribute to a safer, more positive experience.

Actionable Tips for Your Interview

Be prepared to share your medical history openly to facilitate a productive conversation. Use these follow-up questions to gain a clear understanding of their specific expertise.

• Ask for Relevant Statistics. Inquire about their success rates or outcomes for clients with your specific condition. For example, "What is your VBAC success rate?" or "How many twin births have you attended?"
• Discuss Their Management Approach. Ask how they would handle potential complications related to your situation. For instance, how do they manage blood sugar for clients with gestational diabetes, or what is their protocol for monitoring a post-term pregnancy?
• Inquire About Collaboration. Ask about their relationships with specialists like obstetricians or maternal-fetal medicine doctors. Do they have a clear plan for consultation or transfer of care if your situation requires it?
• Request an Honest Assessment. After sharing your history, ask directly if they believe you are a good candidate for their care model. A responsible midwife will be transparent about their comfort level and will refer you to another provider if they feel your needs fall outside their scope of practice.

8-Point Midwife Interview Comparison

Making Your Choice with Confidence

Navigating the journey to parenthood involves a series of deeply personal decisions, and choosing your midwife is one of the most significant. The list of questions in this article is more than just a checklist. It's a framework designed to empower you, helping you gather the critical information needed to build a partnership based on trust, respect, and shared values. By asking targeted questions about a midwife’s philosophy, credentials, emergency protocols, and postpartum support, you are not just interviewing a healthcare provider. You are laying the foundation for a supportive and empowering birth experience.

Think of this process as a two-way conversation. While you’ve gathered factual answers about transfer rates, fee structures, and clinical experience, it’s equally important to reflect on the nature of the interaction itself. How did you feel during the conversation? Did the midwife listen attentively to your concerns? Were their answers clear, patient, and respectful? This intuitive feedback is your internal compass, guiding you toward a provider who not only has the right qualifications but also the right communication style for you and your family.

Synthesizing the Answers: Beyond the Checklist

The goal isn't to find a midwife who gives a "perfect" score on every question. Rather, it's to find the one whose answers align most closely with your personal vision for pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

• Philosophy and Fit: Did their approach to labor management resonate with you? If you desire a low-intervention birth, a midwife who champions that philosophy will likely be a better fit than one with a more medicalized approach.
• Safety and Collaboration: Understanding their protocols for complications and their relationships with local hospitals and physicians is key. Confidence in their ability to handle emergencies provides essential peace of mind. A strong collaborative model is a sign of a well-integrated and responsible practitioner.
• Support and Connection: Postpartum care is not an afterthought. A midwife’s commitment to your mental and physical well-being after birth is a crucial component of their care. Their answers should reflect a deep understanding of the challenges and joys of the "fourth trimester."

Remember, the right midwife for your friend or relative may not be the right midwife for you. Your health history, personal beliefs, and desired level of involvement in decision-making are all unique factors. Using this list of questions to ask a midwife ensures you cover all the essential bases, from the practical to the philosophical, so your final choice is both informed and intuitive.

Ultimately, this decision is about building your core support team. You are looking for a partner who will honor your choices, provide evidence-based guidance, and make you feel safe and empowered every step of the way. The answers you receive are data points, but the feeling of connection and trust is what transforms a clinical relationship into a true partnership. Trust yourself to weigh both the facts and your feelings to make the best choice for your growing family.

Ready to start the conversation? Finding qualified, vetted midwives in your area can be the most challenging first step. Bornbir simplifies the search by connecting you with a curated network of birth and postpartum professionals, allowing you to compare providers, read authentic reviews, and focus on what truly matters. Finding the perfect fit for your journey. Explore your options and schedule your first consultation at Bornbir today.