Questions to Ask Your Provider

How to Choose a Care Provider for Pregnancy and Delivery

Choosing a care provider for your pregnancy and birth is one of the most important decisions you’ll make as a new or expecting parent. Whether you’re considering a homebirth with a midwife or a hospital delivery with a physician, the provider you choose will shape your birth experience, impact your health outcomes, and influence how supported and informed you feel every step of the way.

If you’re exploring midwifery care, especially homebirth, there are unique benefits and considerations to keep in mind. Here’s a guide to help you ask the right questions and choose a provider who aligns with your values and needs.

Why the Right Fit Matters

Midwives are trained professionals who provide comprehensive care throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They offer a personalized, relationship-based model of care centered around informed decision-making, physiologic birth, and respect for your autonomy. When choosing your provider, it’s important to ask questions that go beyond clinical credentials and explore philosophy, experience, and safety practices.

Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Care Provider

1. What credentials and training do you have?

Not all midwives are the same. Ask whether your provider is a Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM), Certified Professional Midwife (CPM), or another type of licensed practitioner. Each credential has different training pathways and scopes of practice, and some are better suited for home or birth center care.

2. Am I a good candidate for homebirth or midwifery care?

A qualified midwife will assess your health history, pregnancy risk level, and location to determine whether a homebirth is a safe option. Low-risk pregnancies with no significant complications are typically the best fit.

3. What is your philosophy of care?

Do they support physiologic birth? Are they comfortable with shared decision-making and informed consent? A good provider will welcome your questions, respect your intuition, and tailor care to your unique needs and values.

4. What is your transfer plan in case of emergency?

A well-trained midwife will always have a plan for hospital transport if complications arise. Ask how often they’ve transferred clients, how they coordinate with local hospitals, and what role they play during transfer and delivery if needed.

5. How do you support postpartum care?

Many midwives offer home visits in the days and weeks after birth to support recovery, breastfeeding, and newborn wellness. Ask what kind of postpartum care you can expect, including visits, lactation support, and mental health screening.

6. Who will be at my birth?

Some midwives work solo; others bring assistants or work in teams. It’s important to know who will be present at your birth and what their roles are.

7. What supplies or equipment do you bring to a homebirth?

Ask about the tools, medications, and emergency equipment your midwife brings to ensure safety at home. Oxygen, anti-hemorrhagic medications, IV fluids, and newborn resuscitation equipment should be standard.

8. What is your approach to informed consent and shared decision-making?

You deserve to be an active participant in your care. A provider committed to informed choice will take time to explain options, risks, and benefits—and will support your right to decline or choose alternatives.

9. What does your care schedule look like?

Midwifery care often includes longer prenatal visits, emotional support, and preparation for labor and birth. Ask about visit frequency, availability for questions between visits, and support during early labor.

10. What is your fee structure and is this care covered by insurance?

Some midwifery services are covered by insurance or Medicaid, while others are private pay. Ask about payment plans, what’s included in the fee, and how billing works.

The Takeaway

The relationship you build with your provider during pregnancy sets the tone for your entire birth experience. Asking thoughtful questions helps ensure you’re receiving safe, respectful, and aligned care—whether you choose a homebirth midwife, a birth center, or a hospital-based team. Trust your instincts, do your research, and remember: you are the expert on your body and your baby. Contact us at Sumner County Childbirth. We would be honored to walk beside you on this journey or help you find the perfect fit!