20. How to Interview a Midwife: 10 Questions Every Empowered Mother Should Ask
So… how exactly are you supposed to find a midwife who’s more “supportive sidekick” and less “awkward stranger who mumbles through your prenatal visits”?
It’s not like we’re taught how to assemble the perfect birth team in school—unless your high school offered “Intro to Birth Advocacy 101” (in which case, please give them a gold star from me).
If you’re here, chances are you’re already knee-deep in the “I want a positive birth experience, but holy hell this is overwhelming” stage. First of all: welcome. You’re in the right place, and yes—you’re absolutely allowed to be picky.
This blog will walk you through the 10 must-ask questions to bring to your midwife interviews—because guess what? You’re interviewing them, not the other way around. And as someone who deeply respects your desire to feel seen, heard, and actually supported, I’m not about to let you walk into that office empty-handed or wide-eyed.
Let’s get into it, because spoiler alert: you deserve a birth team that gets it.
Why Interviewing a Midwife Is a Power Move
(and not just a checkbox before your next OB visit)
You wouldn’t hire a contractor for your kitchen reno without asking what they plan to do with your tile budget, right? Same energy. Your midwife is a key player in one of the most intimate, raw, and transformative moments of your life. They should support your values, respect your instincts, and get you—not just tolerate your birth preferences with a tight smile.
This process isn’t about finding someone “nice.” It’s about finding someone competent, aligned, and ready to respect your voice in the room.
You’re not being “extra.” You’re being informed. And that’s the difference between a birth that happens to you and one that you actively shape.
10 Interview Questions to Ask a Midwife
(and why they’re not just fluff)
1. What’s your philosophy on birth?
This isn’t just small talk. Their answer tells you everything about how they’ll show up for you when labor gets real.
Are they all about instinct and autonomy?
Do they lean more medical management, even in low-risk scenarios?
Do they believe in your body’s ability—or just tolerate it?
👉 Pro tip: If their answer feels scripted or vague, dig deeper. You're looking for values alignment here, not a textbook definition.
2. How do you handle interventions during labor?
This one’s a biggie. You want someone who understands that informed consent is not a suggestion.
Will they offer options before jumping to interventions?
Do they practice shared decision-making?
How do they navigate hospital policies vs. your preferences?
3. What’s your experience with births like mine?
Whether you’re planning a VBAC, carrying twins, or had a previous birth that went sideways—you need someone who’s walked that road with others.
Ask for specific examples.
Gauge their comfort level.
Look for humility and honesty, not just confidence.
4. What’s your transfer protocol if things get complicated?
Birth is unpredictable. You want a midwife who has a solid, drama-free backup plan if things veer off course.
Who do they collaborate with?
What hospital(s) are they connected to?
Will they stay with you during a transfer, or hand you off and disappear?
5. How do you support informed decision-making during labor?
Translation: Will you respect me when I say no? Will you support me when I say yes? Will you give me actual information—not scare tactics?
Do they provide pros and cons, not just their opinion?
Will they pause to explain options during labor?
6. What’s your availability like near my due date?
Because nothing says “birth buzzkill” like finding out your midwife’s on a yoga retreat the week you go into labor.
Will they be on call for you?
Who’s their backup if they can’t make it?
How many clients do they take per month?
7. How do prenatal visits work with you?
Are you getting the 10-minute quickie or the cozy, “let’s actually talk about your body and your fears” kind of vibe?
How long are appointments?
Do they cover emotional + mental prep?
Can you text with questions, or are you on your own between visits?
8. What role do partners play in your care model?
If your partner is part of your journey, they should feel like they’re part of the team—not just a sideline cheerleader holding your electrolyte drink.
Do they include partners in appointments?
Will they guide them in how to support you during labor?
9. How do you support postpartum care?
Yes, the baby’s cute—but you matter too. The right midwife will have a plan for YOU once the dust settles.
How many postpartum visits are included?
What kind of physical + emotional support do they offer?
Do they screen for PMADs (and know what to do if you're struggling)?
10. What’s your stance on collaborative care?
Whether you’re seeing a chiropractor, planning to hire a doula (hi 👋), or working with a specialist—your midwife should play well with others.
Are they open to collaborative support?
Do they welcome outside providers or get weirdly territorial?
Bonus Question (because you’re that kind of prepared):
What does a birth where you feel most proud look like?
Their answer will tell you exactly what they value in the birth space—and whether you’ll feel safe, supported, and seen in their care.
Real Talk: This Isn’t About Finding “The Best” Midwife
It’s about finding the right midwife for YOU.
You’re building a team that gets behind your vision. You’re asking hard questions not to intimidate—but to empower yourself. You don’t need permission to be picky. You need clarity, confidence, and care that reflects your values.
Let’s normalize moms walking into interviews with clipboards, confidence, and zero tolerance for medical gaslighting.
Want all these questions in one easy, take-it-with-you format?
Download my free Midwife Interview Checklist! It’s a beautifully organized guide that separates hospital, homebirth, and universal questions—so you can walk into that interview confident, calm, and totally prepared.
👉 [Grab the checklist here and take the guesswork out of choosing your provider.]
