What should we ask the midwives?

[annabananabomb]

We'll be meeting our midwife team on 5 February.

I'm doing my research now with what to ask them but wondered if you guys had any experiences or ideas to share?

[bibliothecary]

Are you planning on a home birth?

Ask them how many of their mothers have to be transferred to the hospital, and under what circumstances they transfer. Ask them what they can handle and what they can't. What they bring to a birth. How long they've been practicing. Can they still perform tests like ultrasounds? What's the plan if you go into labor at the same time as another mother? How often will they see you? How do they handle the paperwork? Can they help you get it approved by insurance?

[annabananabomb]

Hi bibliothecary, it's a hospital birth in a midwife centre, insurance isn't a concern (we are on a different system here in Australia also known as free healthcare).

Thanks for the questions though, could be good for others who are looking!

ETA: Sorry for the lack of detail in the OP, clearly I need as much help as I can get! Clueless

[econmarie]

How many midwives are in the group? How long are the appointments? How often will you meet prior to birth? What is their philosophy on weight gain? What is their c section rate? Do they have birth tubs? Can you deliver on the tub? Can you have a saline or hep lock instead of an IV? Is pitocin after birth required? How long can you delay cord cutting? Can you skip the newborn bath? Can you keep the placenta (if interested)? How long must you stay after birth? Are there any hospital policies that are mandatory? How easy/difficult is it to decline procedures? Can the baby room with you? Is the baby required to go to the nursery?

[aelias]

I got my prenatal care at midwife run birth center, but ended up transferring to a hospital. Turned out great, but here's some stuff I wish I had thought to ask (adding to what's already been said):

-tour both the midwife center and the hospital maternity ward. Find out what's available in both rooms (tubs, bars to pull on, lighting adjustment)
-how soon are you discharged (birth center vs. Hospital)
-natural birth classes requirements and/or recommendations
-ask if midwives attend hospital births
-what kind of breastfeeding support is available?

[karlamo]

I would try to get a feel for their style of managing your care. When it comes to treatment are they proactive, conservative, etc? Do you feel like you have a say in what your care looks like? I doubt you'll get all this answered at your first appt, but over time you will get to know how they run things.


Are they open for you to stop by if you are having concerns with the baby and want to do a doppler check? My midwfe let us know her door was always open if we ever felt the need to have her check on the baby.

[malelz]

Thanks for asking this question! I have nothing to add. Just absorbing everyone else's answers.