Homebirth Midwife Interview Questionnaire
- Sep 27th, 2023
Choosing to have a homebirth can be one of the most significant life choices you make for yourself and your growing family. To join you on this journey you may need to choose a midwife that you trust, feels a connection with and best aligns with your philosophy. Most, if not all midwives offer a free consultation where you can ask all your questions. In order to facilitate this process I’ve created a questionnaire that can help you gather essential information and to make an informed decision about who to hire. You can find a downloadable worksheet that includes all these questions below.
Qualifications and Training
- What are your credentials and certifications as a home birth midwife?
- Can you provide details about your training and educational background?
- Are you licensed to practice as a midwife in our state or region?
Experience
- How many years of experience do you have as a home birth midwife?
- How many home births have you attended in your career?
- Can you share any specific experiences or challenging situations you've encountered during home births and how you handled them?
Approach to Care
- What is your general approach to providing care during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum?
- How do you tailor your care to the unique needs and preferences of each client?
- Can you describe your philosophy regarding interventions and natural childbirth?
Emergency Preparedness
- What emergency equipment and supplies do you bring to home births?
- How do you handle emergencies or complications that may arise during a home birth?
- Do you have a backup plan in case a transfer to a hospital becomes necessary?
Prenatal Care
- What does your prenatal care schedule typically entail?
- How often will we have prenatal visits, and what will be covered during these appointments?
- Do you offer any prenatal education or resources to help clients prepare for home birth?
Postpartum Care
- What postpartum care and support do you provide to both the mother and the newborn?
- How long will you continue to provide postpartum care following the birth?
- Do you offer any lactation support or guidance?
Pain Management and Comfort Measures
- What pain management options do you offer during labor and birth?
- Can you explain your approach to supporting clients in managing pain naturally?
- Are you open to discussing and accommodating the client's pain relief preferences?
Collaboration and Communication
- How do you collaborate with other healthcare providers, if necessary?
- What is your communication plan for keeping the client and their partner informed throughout labor and birth?
Cost and Insurance
- What are your fees for home birth midwifery services, and what is included in those fees?
- Do you accept health insurance, and if so, which providers do you work with?If not, how do you assist clients to request reimbursement?
- Are there any additional costs or expenses we should be aware of?
Philosophy and Values
- Can you share your personal philosophy and values regarding home birth and midwifery care?
- How do you respect and incorporate cultural, religious, or personal beliefs of your clients into your care?
Logistics
- What is your on-call availability for labor and birth?
- How far do you typically travel for home births, and what is your response time?
- Do you have any specific requirements or recommendations for the home birth setting?
Client Support
- How do you provide emotional and psychological support to your clients throughout the pregnancy and birth journey?
- Are there any support groups or resources you can recommend for expectant parents considering home birth?
Backup Midwife
- Do you have a backup midwife or team in case you are unavailable during labor?
- How does the backup midwife selection process work?
Client Rights and Informed Consent
- How do you ensure that clients are fully informed about their choices and have the opportunity to give informed consent throughout the process?
- Can you provide examples of how you respect and prioritize client autonomy?
Transportation and Hospital Transfer
- What is your plan for transportation to the hospital in the event of a necessary transfer?
- How do you manage transfers while ensuring continuity of care?
I hope this worksheet will serve as a valuable tool for you. My intention was to help you find the midwife that aligns with your preferences, values, and expectations. Don't hesitate to ask follow-up questions and engage in a thorough discussion during the interview process to ensure that you make the best choice for your home birth experience.
Download Worksheet
