Help with birthplan/questions to ask

[DragonflyMom]

So I have scheduled a meeting with a local midwife next Monday and I have printed off a list of questions to ask her about various things but as this is my first birth I feel like I dont know nearly enough to make sure my bases are covered.

What are some really important things to ask??

How do I go about putting together a birth plan?
 

Thanks gals!

[XanaduMama]

There's a sticky around here somewhere on this topic...here you go: http://www.mothering.com/community/forum/thread/527296/interviewing-homebirth-midwife-help

For me, apart from the logistical-type questions, a lot of it had to do with "click" or feeling right. The first MW I met with seemed fine, but I just didn't have that immediate "aha" feeling I had with the one I finally went with. She was so incredibly experienced and intuitive--she knew what I needed without my having to tell her, which was wonderful.

Hope you find someone that works for you!

[MegBoz]

These are probably in the sticky - but I'd ask about transfer stuff -- i.e. does she have official back-up relationships with any local OBs? Does she have 'unofficial' relationships with others? (My MW is a CPM and thus illegal here in Maryland, but she knows 2 of the CNMs at my transfer hospital - which is also where I had DS.) If she is illegal or even 'alegal' does she 'hide' in case of transfer? (i.e. act like a doula & leave you either lying & saying you had no prenatal care, or you can't provide files.)

I'd also ask opened ended Qs about her philosophy, what drew her to midwifery, etc. & let her talk, rather than asking a million specifics on stuff like protocols for GD & GBS testing, 3rd stage management, etc.

Finally, I'd ask how much she tries to 'direct' what happens in terms of suggesting position changes & 'coaching' your vocalizations while you labor, vs. just checking vitals (FHT) & leaving you to follow your instincts. and HOW does she judge when a mama needs that sorta help, guidance & coaching, vs. not?