What questions should I ask when looking for a midwife?
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Dr. Michael Roizen answered:Choosing the right midwife for you is a very important decision, so make sure to ask yourself these questions before taking the leap:- Is this midwife legally able to practice in your state? States have different requirements: licensure, certification, registration, permit.
- What is her education, training, experience, certification?
- Does she have hospital privileges?
- Are midwife care and this specific midwife collective covered by your insurance plan? Does your insurance cover transfer to a hospital?
- How long has this midwife been practicing? How many babies has she "caught" (midwives believe women deliver babies themselves, they merely assist)?
- Who is the midwife's back-up physician? Can you meet with him or her?
- If she is a solo practitioner, who covers when she is away? Can you meet her back-up? What happens if two women are in labor at the same time?
- Will your midwife stay with you if you are transferred to a hospital?
- If she is part of a collective, will you meet the other midwives in the practice? Who will assist your delivery?
- If you are interested in a water birth, does she have experience with this?
- Are you in sync with her regarding the participation of family or friends?
- Under what circumstances does she recommend transfer to a hospital?
- What if you have a perineal tear or need an extensive episiotomy (done to expedite delivery) that needs to be sutured?
- When will she come to the house when you are in labor?
- Does she do postpartum visits after a hospital transfer?
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Choosing the right midwife for you is a very important decision, so make sure to ask yourself these questions before taking the leap: Is this midwife legally able to practice in your state? States have different requirements: licensure,... More -
Paula Greer answered:Choosing a health care provider for Maternity or gynecological care is a very important decision. Who you chose will be an integral part of your wellness endeavors throughout your life cycle. This will be the person guiding you through your routine breast exams, pap smears, family planning and preconceptual counseling and guiding you through a lifetime of maintaining good health. Preventive health care is not only important for you but for your family should you decide to start one.
- When you pick a midwife or health care provider ask yourself the following questions:
- Are they accessible for questions?
- How were they trained? Are they Certified? What is their reputation in the community?
- How much time will they spend with you during your visits?
- Are they covered by your insurance?
- Are they practicing solo or in group? Who covers for them when they are not available? Who is their backup physician for emergencies?
- Where do they deliver if you are pregnant?
- Do they have the same philosophies of care as you do?
- How much time is spent in counseling and education and wellness promotion in your visits?
- Do they provide their care in a family centered environment?
- Do they offer individual or group appointments?
- Do they participate in pregnancy centering?
Choosing a health care provider for Maternity or gynecological care is a very important decision. Who you chose will be an integral part of your wellness endeavors throughout your life cycle. This will be the person guiding you through your routine... More
