You can make or break your pregnancy and birth experience by choosing the right, aligned care provider to support you, or by ignoring red flags and going with someone who was never meant for you. In this article, I'll give you a comprehensive list of questions to equip you in this process.

When selecting a medical care provider for your birth, it's crucial to ask insightful questions to ensure they align with your birth preferences and needs. Here are a few sample questions to consider to get us started:

Approach

• Support for Birth Preferences: How will you support my birth preferences, including a natural birth? What measures do you take to honor my birth plan?
• Communication: How will you communicate with me during labor and birth, especially in emergencies? What is your approach to discussing and managing birth trauma?

Experience

• Birth Attendance: How many births have you attended? Can you share your experience with handling breech births, cesareans, and VBACs (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)?

Preferences

• Choice and Respect: Will you support my autonomy in making birth-related decisions without bias? How do you ensure respect for my choices regarding my body, baby, and birth?

By asking these questions, you can gauge whether the provider’s approach, experience, and respect for your preferences align with your vision for childbirth.

Why It's So Important to Choose the RIGHT Care Provider

Choosing the RIGHT care provider changes the game entirely. I want to drive this home because it's one of the most experience-altering and therefore life-changing decisions a pregnant mother can make. It is essential to critically interview and only hire care providers who align with YOUR values, needs and preferences to ensure a birth experience that honors your choices and support your well-being. Make sure you find someone who is willing to respect your boundaries over their own preferences. A provider who respects your desire for a natural, physiological birth, for example, and is committed to informed decision-making can significantly impact you and your baby's health and emotional bond.

To support you in this process, I have gathered a comprehensive list of important questions to ask potential care providers, including OBGYNs, obstetricians, doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, midwives, doulas, birth coaches, childbirth educators, natural birthing centers, and hospitals. These questions will help you gauge their philosophy, practices, and willingness to respect your birth plan preferences. Use this guide to help you find the right match for your unique birth journey and bring you closer to the supportive, empowering experience you seek.

Questions to Determine Who Your Actual Care Provider Will Be at The Time of Your Birth

1. How many doctors, nurses, certified nurse-midwives or other medical staff are on-call for me?
2. Will I meet all the providers in the practice?
3. What are the chances of having YOU at my birth?
4. Do you stay the entire birth or until the end of your shift?
5. How many births are you attending now?
6. Do you have a maximum, and how do you manage to avoid too many commitments?
7. Who takes over for you if you go on vacation or get sick?
8. Do you have any planned absences around the several weeks before and after the estimated time of my birth?
9. How often will I see you?
10. What do your check ups or wellness visits consist of?
11. How much time do I have with you during our visits?
12. Is it okay for me to ask questions?

Questions About General Philosophy and Approach of Labor and Delivery

1. How many years have you been practicing on this level?
2. What is your philosophy on pregnancy and birth? This question helps to understand if the caregiver views birth as a natural process or a medical event. This question is crucial as it reveals the care provider's philosophy on birth. A provider who views birth as inherently dangerous will offer a different type of care compared to one who believes birth is a natural physiological process. Use this opportunity to discuss their approach to expectant versus managed care.
3. How do you typically approach the birthing process?
4. How do you view the role of a mother during labor and delivery?
5. Can you explain your practices and protocols during the immediate postpartum period, particularly the first hour after birth?
6. How do you handle the newborn's first moments and what procedures do you typically perform during this time?
7. Are there any routine interventions or procedures done immediately after birth that I should be aware of?
8. How flexible are you with birth plans, especially regarding immediate skin-to-skin contact and delayed cord clamping?
9. What is your stance on vaccinations for newborns?
10. How do you handle parents who wish to delay or decline certain vaccines?
11. How do you support a mother's preferences and autonomy during birth and the postpartum period?
12. Can you discuss how you manage any potential complications while still respecting the mother's birth plan?
13. How do you ensure a supportive and respectful environment for both the mother and baby during and after birth?
14. What is your experience with natural physiological birth? This helps you to understand if they have ever supported a natural, physiological birth before. And if so, how regularly they serve these types of clients.
15. Will you and how do you support physiological, unmedicated birth if that’s what we choose? Look for specific practices and protocols that align with a natural approach.
16. What are your views on informed choice and patient autonomy? Ensure the caregiver respects and supports your right to make informed decisions.
17. Do the other providers who could be at my birth have a similar view to you in regards to all of the questions we just asked?
18. If not, which ones do?
19. Is there a way we can ensure you or those providers are the ones present at the time of our birth?

Questions About Interventions, Protocols, Procedures and the Provider's Stats

1. What percentage of your patients are considered high risk?
2. What pregnancy conditions are considered high risk?
3. What will happen if my pregnancy becomes high risk?
4. Under what circumstances do you recommend interventions such as induction, medication, epidurals, or cesarean sections? This helps gauge their threshold for interventions.
5. If my pregnancy goes past 40 weeks, what do you recommend?
6. Do you support me going to 42 weeks or more if the baby and I are doing well?
7. How do you support breech presentation babies?
8. Do you support vaginal breech birth?
9. What is the rate of epidural analgesia under your care?
10. What is your cesarean section rate?
11. What is your induction rate?
12. When do you recommend an induction?
13. What is your Vaginal Bith After Cesarean (VBAC) rate?
14. What is your episiotomy rate?
15. What is your rate of forceps or vacuum extraction delivery?
16. How do you manage the third stage (birth of the placenta)? The above questions help you to learn statistics and evidence of their actual care of patients. Observe their actions, not just their words.
17. What are your protocols for handling labor and birth emergencies? Understanding their approach to emergencies can provide insight into their preparedness and philosophy.
18. As long as mom/baby are doing well, how much freedom do I have during labor? (Eating, drinking, moving around, getting into whatever positions I want, dimming the lights, playing music, water laboring or birthing tub, etc.)
19. How do you handle requests for delayed cord clamping, immediate skin-to-skin contact, mother or father catching their own baby, keeping our placenta, and other birth plan and immediate postpartum preferences? This indicates their willingness to honor your birth plan.
20. What are your recommendations for Erythromycin (eye ointment)? Can I decline?
21. What are your recommendations for Vitamin K? Do you offer the oral dosage or the shot? Can I decline?
22. What is your after care policy for infants if I am GBS positive and decline antibiotics? (or if I don’t receive them in time?)
23. Can I wait to do routine newborn exams or have some done on my chest?
24. What are your recommendations for the vaccine schedule?
25. Do you perform any immediately after birth?
26. When would we need to come in for the first several vaccinations?
27. Can we decline any or all of them?
28. Have you or any of the other providers in this practice ever reported families to CPS for delaying or declining vaccinations or other common procedures during or after birth? If so, on what basis, and how common is this in your practice? What was the result of those scenarios?

Questions About Support and Communication

1. How do you support pain management for those choosing a more holistic, unmedicated birth? Look for mentions of natural pain relief methods and labor support.
2. What is your approach to communication and decision-making during labor? Assess their willingness to communicate clearly and involve you in decisions.
3. How do you ensure a supportive and respectful birth environment? This helps to understand their commitment to a positive birth experience.

Questions About Postpartum Care

1. What postpartum support do you provide? This should include breastfeeding support, mental health resources, and newborn care guidance.
2. Will I have access to these resources even after I go home? How do I contact them?
3. How do you handle postpartum complications or concerns? Ensure they have a clear plan for addressing postpartum issues.

Questions to Assess Trustworthiness and Alignment

1. Can you provide references or testimonials from other mothers who have had a similar birth plan to mine? Speaking with other mothers can provide real insights into the caregiver's practice.
2. What are your views on the use of technology and medical interventions in childbirth? This can reveal how interventionist the caregiver might be.
3. How do you balance evidence-based practices with individualized care? Ensure they value both scientific evidence and your personal preferences.
4. How do you feel about Doulas?
5. Are you open to working with doulas or other birth support professionals?
6. Can my Doula attend my planned or unplanned cesarean? A caregiver who is supportive of a doula can indicate a more holistic approach.
7. What are your thoughts on home birth or birth center birth, even if I plan to give birth in a hospital? Their openness to different birth settings can reveal their flexibility and support for natural birth options.

10 Red Flags to Watch for When Interviewing Potential Birth Care Providers

Choosing the right care provider for your birth experience is essential, especially if you're planning to give birth naturally. Whether you're consulting gynecologists, obgyns, or other labor and delivery professionals, being aware of potential red flags can help you find the right match for your needs and preferences. Here are some critical signs to watch out for and questions to ask providers to ensure your birthing experience is respected and supported.

1. Lack of Respect for Birth Plans

A significant red flag is if a provider dismisses your birth plan or seems unwilling to discuss it in detail. Your birth plan is a crucial document that outlines your preferences and expectations. A provider who doesn't take it seriously or refuses to engage in a meaningful discussion about it may not respect your choices during labor and delivery.

2. Disregard for Informed Consent

 Informed consent is a fundamental right in healthcare. If a provider doesn't emphasize the importance of informed choice and consent, or if they frequently push interventions without ensuring you fully understand and agree to them, this is a major concern. Your right to decline interventions should always be respected.

3. Poor Communication

 Effective communication is essential for a positive birth experience. If a provider doesn't take the time to answer your questions thoroughly or makes you feel rushed, it may indicate they are not fully invested in your care. Good communication fosters trust and ensures you are well-informed about your options.

4. High Intervention Rates

A provider who frequently mentions interventions as standard practice without medical necessity should raise concerns. High rates of induction for reasons such as going past your due date, suspected large baby, or water breaking before labor, as well as a lack of support for vaginal breech and twin births, can be red flags. Ensure the provider practices in a setting that aligns with your preferences and doesn't impose unnecessary restrictions due to protocols and policies.

5. High C-Section Rates

A primary cesarean section rate above 10-15% is a red flag. Providers who schedule c-sections for reasons like "your baby is too big" without substantial medical justification may not support your desire to give birth naturally.

6.  Low VBAC Rates (Vaginal Birth After Cesarean)

 If a provider has low rates of vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) or doesn't encourage it, this can be problematic. Look for VBAC rates of 70-80% or higher to ensure they support natural birth options for those with previous c-sections.

7. Lack of Support for or Experience with Vaginal Breech or Twin Births

 Providers who have a protocol to perform inductions or c-sections for breech presentations or twin births, rather than supporting these types of births naturally, may lack the experience or willingness to manage them. It's crucial to find a provider who is comfortable and experienced with these scenarios.

8. No Support for Undisturbed Natural Physiological Birth

 A provider who doesn't support natural, undisturbed physiological birth or evidence-based care might not be the best fit for those wanting a natural birth. Ensure they are committed to supporting your choice for a natural birth experience.

9. Opposition to Natural Home Birth

 Some doctors may discourage home birth or refuse to take on patients planning one, sometimes using fear tactics. If you are interested in a home birth, find a provider who respects and supports your choice.

10. Lack of Support or Encouragement of Doulas

 If a provider doesn't advocate for the presence of a doula or any other support person you want, this is a red flag. I mean think about it - how strange is it for someone to not want a pregnant mother to have emotional support and an advocate for her birth preferences while she may be vulnerable or in distress? Red flag! Emotional support and advocacy during birth are vital, and a provider who discourages this may not have your best interests at heart.

Conclusion Summary

Choosing a caregiver for your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care is a significant decision. By asking the right questions and paying attention to these red flags, you can find a provider who aligns with your values and supports a safe, empowered, and natural birth experience. Remember, you have the right to switch providers at any time to ensure your needs and preferences are fully respected.

Unless you plan to give birth at a freestanding birth center that is not attached to a hospital, or at home on your own or with experienced, 'authentic' midwives, most traditional maternity care providers and their environments are not accustomed to natural, undisturbed births. They often intervene unnecessarily, trying to "fix" what isn't broken. It’s akin to someone constantly trying to regulate your heartbeat or breathing when everything is functioning perfectly. This is an unfortunate reality in many modern hospitals, especially in the US.

If you decide to stay with a provider who exhibits numerous red flags, you must be prepared to advocate fiercely for your birth preferences. It’s crucial to have a strong support system, know your legal rights regarding autonomy and informed refusal, and ensure you’re not coerced into unwanted interventions through fear tactics. Reflect deeply—is this the battle you want to fight during your pregnancy and labor? Or is your time and energy best spent on something else during this sacred chapter of your life? I invite you to pray on it.

The questions I've provided here will help you to mitigate risks and see who is willing to respect your choice, your autonomy and who aligns with, accepts or rejects your birthing preferences. Please, please do your due diligence and critically interview any potential care providers who could support or attend your birth in any way.

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No matter the outcome, a supportive birth team can make or break your experience. There are many more questions to ask, but this is intended to be a starting point for you, particularly focused on smoking out the harmful or risky providers who will not respect your autonomy and right to choose your own unique birthing preferences.

I hope these questions help you find a provider you love! And if you are interested in working with me, please schedule your free 30-minute connection call here to see if we are a good fit and check out my website for my most up-to-date available offers.

I have a limited number of private mentorship spots available for seasoned, expectant and hopeful-to-become mothers and families who would like one-on-one support throughout their journey of pre-conception, pregnancy, birth and postpartum. You can apply for a free 30-minute connection call here.

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Many blessings to you and your growing family. I pray you have an empowering, connecting and liberating birth.

Infinite Love and Gratitude,

~Forest Soleil