This article is in four parts:

Part 1: Options for care providers >>

Part 2: Philosophy of birth >> 

Part 3: Questions to ask 

Part 4: Finding a caregiver >>

The entire article is available as a printable PDF >>
For more tips, or if you need more information or would like to talk to someone:

• In Washington State: Call the Family Help Line at 1-800-932-HOPE (4673)

• Outside of Washington State: contact your local Circle of Parents agency >>

Choosing a Caregiver for Pregnancy, Labor, & Birth: Part 3


There are several kinds of health care professionals who can provide prenatal care, attend births, and deliver babies.

Questions to ask potential caregivers
  • Where were you trained? How long ago?

  • How many births have you attended? How many labors attended from start to finish?

  • Will you expect to be at my birth, or is there a chance someone else will attend? Who?

  • What are their intervention rates? What do you consider routine interventions for labor?

  • Who can be with me during labor and birth? What are the roles of support people?

  • Can I move around during labor? Can I eat? What positions do you recommend for birth?

  • What things do you normally do for a woman during labor?

  • Besides drugs, what do you recommend for relieving pain during labor?

  • How do you help mothers who want to breastfeed?

  • For midwives: who is their backup physician? What conditions lead to a physician referral?