1. Who other than you might be present at the birth?
2. Will I have the opportunity to meet the backup caregiver before I go into labor?
3. How will I get in touch with you in an emergency? Are there times when you are unavailable? If so, whom would I call in that situation?
4. Will you be available to take my non-emergency phone calls during working hours? If you are not available, who will be able to answer my questions or address my concerns?
5. What if we need a health care provider in the middle of the night or on a weekend?
6. Do you have an associate that covers for you when you are not available?
7. What kind of continuing education do you utilize?
8. Do you practice evidence-based care?
9. Do you use residents or interns as part of your practice?
10. What do you know about Mother – Baby friendly care?
11. What is your recommended schedule of prenatal visits?
12. How long do you set aside for each appointment?
13. Do you have a nutritionist on your staff?
14. What tests will you recommend during my pregnancy (ultrasound, amniocentesis, genetic screening, and so on)? What if I have a concern about a certain test or refuse to take them?
15. Under what circumstances, if any, would you need to transfer me into the care of another health-care practitioner? (That is, if you develop certain types of complications, will the caregiver be able to manage these complications, or will you be transferred to someone else?)
16. Under what circumstances do you induce labor?
17. How do you feel about birth plans? Will you set aside time to review our birth plan before the onset of labor?
18. How much time will you spend with me when I'm in labor?
19. How much privacy & freedom do you give your laboring mothers?
20. Do the majority of women in your practice have medicated or nonmedicated births? What percentage have epidurals?
21. What are your thoughts on natural childbirth?
22. How would you feel if I wanted to use the services of a doula or other support person?
23. Do you routinely use electronic fetal monitoringduring labor?
24. What percentage of women in your practice have episiotomies?
25. What percentage of women in your practice have cesareans?
26. What percentage of women attempting a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) manage to deliver vaginally?
27. How do you feel about family other than the father being present at the birth?
28. For what reasons would my baby and I be separated after the birth?
29. Do you provide breastfeeding support and/or postpartum care?
30. What type of insurance coverage do you accept?
31. Discuss your family medical history and particular problems you are concerned about.
32. Notice the attitude of the office staff.

This initial interview with potential care providers will be the beginning of an important, emotional relationship. Consider the answers to your questions and the attitude of the care provider during your visit. There are many kind, respectful, knowledgeable care providers available throughout Virginia. We hope our suggestions will help you find someone with whom you feel comfortable.