Top 10 Questions to Ask When Choosing a Home Birth Midwife in DC, Maryland, or Virginia
By Hadassah
Serving Families Across Washington, D.C., Maryland & Northern Virginia (DMV)
Choosing a midwife for your home birth is one of the most important decisions you’ll make during your pregnancy. Whether you're in Washington, D.C., Maryland, or Northern Virginia, your midwife will walk beside you every step of the way—from prenatal care to birth and postpartum recovery.
As a Black, licensed traditional midwife who’s attended hundreds of births in homes and birth centers, I’ve learned that the best outcomes start with informed, empowered families. So here are the top 10 questions you should ask when interviewing a home birth midwife in the DMV:
1. Are You a Licensed Midwife in DC, Maryland, or Virginia?
Not all midwives are licensed—and every state has different regulations. A licensed midwife ensures you’re getting safe, accountable care that meets state standards. Ask about credentials, and make sure your midwife can legally attend home births in your area.
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2. How Many Home Births Have You Attended?
Experience matters. A seasoned midwife brings clinical skill, calm presence, and confidence to your birth. Look for someone who has supported diverse families and complex birth scenarios—including VBACs, twins, breech births, and more.
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3. Do You Offer Water Birth?
Water birth is a popular option for natural pain relief and a gentle delivery. If you’re considering a home water birth, ask if the midwife has a birth tub available and experience with water births at home.
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4. What Does Prenatal Care Look Like?
Ask how often you’ll be seen, what labs and testing are included, and whether appointments are in-home or in-office. A good midwife will offer comprehensive, family-centered prenatal visits, not just quick check-ins.
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5. What Happens if There’s a Complication?
A responsible midwife knows how to recognize when things are outside the scope of normal and when to transfer care. Ask about her protocols, hospital transfer plans, and relationships with local OBs or hospitals.
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6. Do You Work with a Birth Assistant or Doula?
Most midwives bring a trained birth assistant to every home birth. Some also partner with doulas or other holistic birth professionals. Ask who will be at your birth and what roles they’ll play.
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7. Do You Support VBAC, Twins, or Breech Births?
If you’re planning a VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) or have a unique pregnancy (like twins or breech), you want a midwife with specialized training and confidence. Ask directly about experience and outcomes.
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8. How Do You Incorporate Holistic and Cultural Care?
Black families in particular may seek a midwife who honors ancestral wisdom, herbal remedies, prayer, and emotional wellness. Ask if your midwife includes nutrition, herbal support, homeopathy, or culturally affirming practices in your care.
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9. What’s Included in Your Home Birth Midwifery Package?
Don’t be afraid to talk money! Ask about pricing, payment plans, what's included (labs? postpartum visits?), and whether they work with insurance or offer superbills for reimbursement.
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10. Why Do You Do This Work?
Lastly, connect from the heart. Your midwife should be someone you feel safe, seen, and spiritually grounded. Ask about their "why"—and see if it aligns with your family’s values and birth vision.
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✨ Final Thoughts
Choosing a midwife is personal—and powerful. At Myrtle Tree Midwifery, we serve families across DC, Maryland, and Virginia with a focus on Black maternal health, holistic wellness, VBACs, water birth, preconception counseling, and traditional midwifery wisdom.
Whether you're planning your first baby or your fifth, you're not alone. You're supported. And you're seen.
💛 Ready to Interview Your Midwife?
Let’s schedule a free consultation to explore if home birth is right for you and your family.
📍 Serving Washington, D.C., Maryland, and Northern Virginia (DMV)
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