Questions to ask your midwife

 

  • What is your philosophy about cesarean section? Episiotomy? Forceps birth? Use of drugs and anesthesia?

  • Do you require or recommend prenatal testing and sonograms?

  • Do you have a college degree?

  • Did you graduate from a nationally accredited midwifery education program?

  • Are you licensed to practice?

  • Did your midwifery education require preparation in core sciences such as biology, chemistry, anatomy and physiology, microbiology, psychology, sociology, epidemiology/statistics, pathophysiology, and nutrition?

 

  • How will you determine if I am an appropriate candidate for midwifery care and what will happen if I need the care of a physician?

  • Are you prepared to provide well-woman and gynecological care, including screening for common health problems and writing prescriptions?

  • Have you passed a national certification examination?

  • Are you certified by the ACNM Certification Council?

  • What role will my birth partner play?

  • How much time do you allot to each prenatal visit, and how long is a typical wait in the anteroom?

These questions are aimed at helping you evaluate the credentials and standards of practice for your midwife. For more information about selecting a midwife, visit mymidwife.org