Yes, You Can Ask That! — Interviewing Your Birth Provider with Confidence and Grace

I Was That Mom…

When I was pregnant with my first baby, I sat across from my OB with a list of questions… saved on phone’s notes. Just in case I got brave enough to ask one.

Spoiler alert: I didn’t.

Instead, I smiled politely, nodded a lot, and then Googled “Can I eat during labor??” in the parking lot — while eating a granola bar after the appointment. 🙃

I was even seeing a midwife at the time too, and the scenario didn’t get any better either. Although I did learn alot from her, I didn’t feel I should ruffle any feathers by asking questions.

Why? Because I felt silly asking. Like I didn’t have the right. Like maybe I was bothering her. I didn’t know yet that God had already given me permission — not just to speak, but to lead in the role God was calling me as mother of this child.

Asking Questions Isn’t Pushy — It’s Stewardship

You’re not “just” having a baby. You’re co-laboring with the Creator in one of the holiest acts imaginable. And just like any God-given calling, it’s okay to prepare, pray, and be particular about the people you invite into that space, being confident that they bring life and peace into your circle.

Whether you’re planning a hospital birth, home birth, or something in between, the provider you choose matters.

That’s why I created a Birth Provider Interview Checklist — a printable resource to help you confidently ask the important questions when meeting with an OB, midwife, or birth center team.

**Let’s Get Real (And Maybe Laugh a Little)**

Yes, some of the questions are practical:

What’s your cesarean rate?
Do you allow movement during labor?
Do you require continuous fetal monitoring?

Some might feel silly:

Can I eat during labor?
Will there be students in the room?
What if poop comes when I push?

But all of them help you choose someone who respects your wishes, trusts your body, and supports your faith-informed decisions.

Interviewing With Confidence & Grace

Here’s what I’ve learned as a mom who’s been there:

You are not “too much.”
You are not a nuisance.
You are not asking for special treatment.

You’re asking to be seen, known, and supported as a human being.

So, go into these interviews with confidence and grace. Be quick to listen and slow to speak. Be willing to ask questions that may make you feel uncomfortable. Watch how they answer, including tone and body language. Tune into the Holy Spirit. And listen for peace.

Interview several candidates and sit down with the Lord, inviting Him to guide you in deciding whom to partner with for your child’s birth.

From One mama to another…you are already doing an amazing job. Seriously.
You’re preparing, praying, and showing up with intention and grace as the Holy Spirit leads you.

Ask the questions. Bring the snacks. Trust your intuition.
And never forget — the same God who formed your baby in the secret place is walking you through every moment of this journey.

Cheering you on,