- At what facilities do you have privileges?
Be sure to interview each facility just as much as you interviewed your doctor or midwife prior to selecting them to help you during the birth of your baby. Ask each hospital lots of questions during your interview.
- What tests or procedures do you normally recommend in pregnancy?
Every practitioner probably has a slightly different offering of tests. From Amniocentesis to Stress tests, your midwife or doctor should explain each thoroughly to you.
- What pregnancy books do you recommend I read?
No matter what they say, here are my recommendations for pregnancy books. I love to read!
- What do you recommend for normal pregnancy aches and pains?
There are many common discomforts associated with pregnancy. Many of these can be eased without medications. See Pregnancy Remedy Index.
- Who are your back up practitioners? When might I see them? Can I meet them before the birth?
Knowing the possibilities, even if remote, can make you feel more at ease. Don't hesitate to meet them even if just to say hello.
- Do you recommend any certain childbirth classes?
There are lots of choices available to consumers when it comes to childbirth classes. Do you go to classes that your friends took? Should you take hospital based classes? Find out what options are available in your community and who your practitioner or your friends recommend.
- Do you routinely use interventions in labor or do you wait to see if they are needed?
Routine use of interventions in labor has not been shown to be beneficial. Informed consent is a must for each intervention proposed.
- At what point to you talk about the artificial induction of labor?
Induction of labor is used when medically indicated that your baby is safer on the outside than on the inside. Unfortunately, social induction, or inducing labor with no medical reason has become popular. While there are many theories on why, be sure to talk to your practitioner about using induction wisely.
- Which doulas have you worked with? Who would you recommend?
Using a professional doula has been shown to decrease the rates of many interventions.
- What are your vaginal birth rates? For first time moms? For moms who have had babies before? For moms who have had previous cesarean births?
Ask questions about the likelihood of you having a normal birth. Ask early and often. Let your doctor or midwife know you're committed to having a normal birth.
