Questions to Ask Your Provider
Their Philosophy
► What is your general philosophy on pregnancy and birth?
► For Doctors: What are your rates of elective induction and emergency c-section? What are your philosophies on both?
► For Midwives: What is your transfer rate? What criteria do you use in deciding when to transfer?
► What are your feelings on unmedicated birth and would you support me if that was my plan?
► What’s your philosophy on epidurals, nitrous oxide, and narcotics in labor, and which pain management options do you offer in your hospital/birth center?
► How long have you been practicing and how many births have you attended?
► Are you a parent? How old are your children now? How were they born?
► Do you work alone or with a partner? What is their experience? Will you attend my birth or does it depend on who’s on call?
► What is your experience with breech births and what is your protocol in the event of a breech baby?
► What is the maximum number of clients you take on at a time? How many clients do you have around my due date?
► How often will I see you? What will our check-ups include? Is it okay to ask questions during and after our appointments?
► Do you offer any childbirth classes or do you recommend a certain class or method?
► Who will cover your patients should you go on vacation or get sick?
Your Care
► Will you support me going to 42 weeks if the baby and I are both doing well?
► As long as my baby and I are doing well, how much freedom do I have during labor? (eating, drinking, moving around, etc.)
► How do you feel about doulas?
► When should I call you after my labor begins? When should I arrive at the hospital/birthing center?
► Will you have patience to allow labor to progress on its own time, as long as baby and I are doing well?
► What are your thoughts on delayed cord clamping and blood banking?
► How much time do you allow for the delivery of the placenta?
► What are my options once my water breaks?
► What would you consider a good reason to induce?
► If I’m Group B Strep (GBS) positive, what effect will that have on my baby’s birth?
► What are your feelings on episiotomies?
► Will you allow my partner to be as involved as they would like?
What to Pack in Your "Go Bag"
NOTE: If you’re planning to give birth at a Birthing Center, consider packing a second, smaller bag with a few essentials in the event you need to transfer to a hospital quickly.
Baby Essentials Shopping Guide
Diapering
Bathing & Care
Clothing
Sleep & Swaddling
Feeding & Soothing
On The Go
Play & Lounge
Postpartum Essentials Shopping Guide
Body Healing & Care
Lactation & Breast Care
[This guide includes affiliate links to products that I know and love. If you visit links within my content, I may receive commissions for your purchases, however I have never received any compensation or consideration for the products I recommend.]
About Denise
Denise is a Labor & Postpartum Doula, Breastfeeding Coach, and Childbirth Educator. In her many years as a professional birth worker, she has helped countless families achieve their birth goals and feel confident in their ability to care for their new baby and families.
Working with and caring for families has always been Denise’s biggest passion. Before becoming a doula, she worked in different family based fields, from infant and child care to working with Speech, Occupational, and Family Therapists.
Using her professional knowledge and years of experience, Denise has compiled this quick pregnancy planning guide with questions to ask your provider, the essentials to pack in your “Go Bag”, and a shopping guide with her favorite essential items for both baby and new parents. This guide is the perfect place to start planning for your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period.
Start your pregnancy on the right path.