What Questions Should I Ask a Midwife Before Hiring Her?

Choosing a midwife is one of the most consequential decisions you'll make in your pregnancy, and a good interview should feel like a real conversation - not an interrogation, and not a sales pitch. Here's a practical list of questions to bring with you.

Credentials & Training

• Are you a Licensed Midwife (LM) and/or Certified Professional Midwife (CPM)?
• How many births have you attended, and in what settings?
• What is your training in handling complications or emergencies?

How Care Actually Works

• How long are prenatal visits, and how often will I see you?
• Will I see you at every visit, or a rotation of providers?
• What does a typical prenatal visit include?
• How do you handle after-hours questions or concerns?

Safety & Risk

• What risk factors would mean I’m no longer a candidate for your care?
• What is your transfer plan and relationship with local hospitals?
• What emergency equipment and protocols do you bring to a home birth?

Cost & Insurance

• Do you accept my insurance, and what would benefits verification show me?
• What is included in your fee, and what isn’t?
• Do you offer payment plans or sliding scale options?

How a midwife answers these questions matters as much as the answers themselves - you're looking for honesty about limitations, not just reassurance. Birthstone Midwifery welcomes these questions from every family before they commit to care.