Your provider plays a huge role in shaping your birth experience, and it’s important to feel confident, respected, and heard. These questions are designed to help you start meaningful conversations, understand your provider’s approach, and make sure your care aligns with your goals and values. Bring this list to your next prenatal visit or use it as a guide when choosing your birth team.
1. What is your philosophy around birth and patient care?
This helps you understand whether their approach aligns with your values and preferences.
2. How do you typically support clients who want an unmedicated birth (or birth with minimal intervention)?
Tailor this based on your goals, it’s helpful to know their level of comfort and experience with your plan.
3. What is your policy on movement, eating, and drinking during labor?
These details can make a big difference in comfort and confidence during labor.
4. How do you feel about birth plans, and how do you typically work with them?
This opens the door for collaboration and mutual understanding instead of confrontation.
5. What is your rate of inductions and cesarean births, and what are your usual reasons for recommending them?
This gives context for how they handle medical decisions and interventions.
6. How do you handle situations where labor or birth doesn’t go as planned?
Helps you learn how they communicate, adapt, and include you in decision-making under stress.
7. Who will actually be with me during labor and birth if you’re unavailable?
It’s good to know who might be on call and what the backup system looks like.
8. What are your policies around continuous fetal monitoring, IVs, and other routine procedures?
This helps you understand what’s standard and where there’s flexibility.
9. How do you support immediate postpartum bonding and newborn procedures?
Opens discussion about skin-to-skin, delayed cord clamping, and newborn exams.
10. What’s your communication style like during labor?
Some providers are very hands-on and direct; others are calm and quiet. Knowing this helps you build the right support team around your needs.
Annapolis Area Doula, supporting you every step of the way.