Here's my list:
Experience
1. What is your general philosophy about pregnancy and birth?
2. Do you let us do whatever we want during labor? (Food, positions, water, etc.)
3. What is your education and training as a midwife?
4. How many years have you been practicing?
5. Do you work alone or with a partner or assistant? If you work with someone, what is their experience?
6. How many births have you attended as the primary caregiver? VBACs?
Prenatal Care
1. How many births are you attending now? Do you have a maximum, and how do you avoid too many commitments?
2. At what point do you come to my home when I go into labor?
3. How often will I see you? What do your checkups consist of?
4. Are you generally available by phone for questions?
5. What are your guidelines concerning weight gain, nutrition, prenatal vitamins, and exercise? What are your standards for pre-eclampsia?
6. Do you suggest that I take a childbirth education class? Do you teach such a class?
7. Who takes over for you if you go on vacation or get sick?
Hospital and Obstetrician
1. How do you handle emergencies? Under what circumstances would you transfer?
2. Would you stay with me in the hospital?
3. Do you require that I see a physician during my pregnancy even if everything is all right?
4. Do you have guidelines or restrictions about who can give birth at home?
General Labor
1. What kind of equipment do you bring to a birth?
2. Are you permitted to administer any drugs during labor?
3. How many people are allowed to be around?
4. When do you arrive after labor begins?
5. Do you wait until the cord has stopped pulsating before it gets cut?
6. How much time do you allow for the delivery of the placenta?
Financial Matters
1. What are your fees and what do they include?
2. What is your payment schedule?
3. What do I need that is not included?
The Baby
1. Have you ever had to resuscitate a baby?
2. Do you examine the baby after birth?
3. Do you give eyedrops or shots to the baby?
4. What care will we receive after I give birth?
