4 Top Questions To Ask Your Childbirth Provider
As you may know, hiring a provider that aligns with you and your birth values is one of the most important things you can do when preparing for your birth!
Ideal is that you hire someone who routinely does almost everything you are planning for your personal birth. This way you are already on the same page about most things!
I recommend interviewing 3-4 providers before making a decision on your childbirth provider. This way you can choose the one that aligns with you most!
If you already have a provider you love- awesome! Continue to "interview" them by asking lots of questions at each prenatal appointment.
If you decide that your provider is not right for you- no worries! It's always your choice to leave care with them and start up with someone else. It's never too late either! I've heard of women firing their providers when they are already in labor! (although, let's give ourselves a little more time that that!)
Here are four of my favorite questions for childbirth providers:
What interventions are routine for you? (Remember, everything a provider does can be considered an intervention. Some examples? monitoring the baby, checking blood pressure, catching baby, coached pushing, cervical checks, clamping the cord)
Can you tell me your experience working with clients like me? (This applies to your culture, family situation, past traumas, medical history, previous births, etc. Be sure your provider has a plan for how to support you in your specific situation!)
What does informed consent mean to you? (Your provider should always be giving you true informed consent by getting your permission before doing anything and explaining their reasoning and the risks and benefits of what they will be doing.)
How do you navigate and heal from trauma? (All birth workers experience trauma in some form and it is important that they can heal from past experiences and not let that affect future clients.)
If you liked this list and want more questions like this- you can download my entire interviewing providers guide here. It has 65+ questions and my very best tips for provider interviews!
Also- I wanted to give you a little reminder that Birth Academy is coming soon! It's going to be an exclusive guide to your unmedicated, transformational, and empowering birth experience. It will include topics like advocacy, risk in birth, knowing your options, making educated decisions, how to NOT feel pain during contractions, how your partner can support you, and more! You can join the waitlist here.