What do you bring to the intake interview? A checklist

Why a checklist?

In The intake interview you can read exactly what's discussed during this conversation and when it takes place. This checklist is the practical companion to that: an overview of what you can have at hand, so the conversation goes smoothly and you don't forget anything.

The checklist

• Insurance details — policy number and the name of your health insurer.
• Due date and details of your midwife (practice) — name, phone number, and which practice you're registered with.
• Contact details of your GP.
• Your correct address details — especially relevant if you're giving birth at home, so the maternity carer can come to the right address without hassle.
• A tentative feeding choice — breast or bottle, even if you haven't fully decided yet.
• Anything specific to mention — for example a multiple pregnancy, a medical particularity, or anything else the maternity carer should take into account.
• Who else will be around — other children, and your partner's availability (see also Birth leave and maternity care for exactly how that leave works).
• Your own list of questions — see the tip below.

Tip: write your questions down beforehand

During the conversation itself, you often can't quite recall what you actually wanted to ask. So write your questions down in the days before, as soon as they come to mind — a note on your phone is enough. That prevents you from thinking afterwards: 'Shouldn't I have asked that?'

In short

• Bring your insurance details, due date, and contact details of your midwife and GP.
• Make sure your address details are correct, especially with a home birth.
• Think beforehand about your feeding choice and anything specific to mention.
• Write your questions down in the days before the conversation, so you don't forget anything.

Also read The intake interview: what do you discuss and how do you prepare?