10 Essential Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Doula
Who you choose for your birth team is a CRITICAL aspect of preparing for your ideal birth. Having a team who understands and aligns with your preferences and goals makes a world of difference. When they know the plan and can support you fully in the way you desire, you are free to relax and focus on birthing that baby! 👏
If your birth team will include the support of a doula, you may choose to interview a few candidates. The list below includes questions that may help you discern what you’re looking for and find the right fit for your birth :)
1. What is your training and experience?
Ask about their formal training, certifications, and how many births they have attended. This will give you an idea of their level of expertise and comfort in handling various birthing scenarios. If you are planning a vaginal birth after a cesarean, you may want to ask specifically if they have supported a VBAC before. If you are carrying multiples, you may desire a doula who has prior experience supporting births of multiples.
2. What is your approach to childbirth?
Doulas can have different philosophies and approaches to childbirth. Inquire about their views on pain management, interventions, and their general philosophy towards birth. Make sure their approach aligns with your birth plan and preferences. If you are a person of faith, it may be important to you to find a doula who shares your beliefs and can support you with prayer and scripture.
3. How do you support your clients during labor?
Get details on the specific ways the doula will support you during labor. This might include techniques for pain relief, emotional support, and helping with positioning. Understanding their methods can help you gauge how they will fit into your labor experience.
4. How do you collaborate with medical professionals?
A doula’s role is to complement, not replace, medical care. Ask how they work with medical providers and how they handle situations where medical advice might conflict with your birth plan. Their ability to facilitate positive and clear communication between you and your medical provider, especially if there is a disagreement or a lack of informed consent, is crucial for a smooth experience.
5. What is your availability around my due date?
Doulas often take on a limited number of clients per month. Confirm their availability around your due date and discuss their backup plans if they are unavailable during your labor. It’s important to know that support is guaranteed regardless of unexpected circumstances.
6. What are your fees and what do they cover?
Discuss the doula’s fees upfront and what is included in their service package. Some doulas offer a range of services, from prenatal visits to postpartum support. Make sure you understand what is covered and if there are any additional costs.
7. How do you handle situations where labor doesn’t go as planned?
Birth can be unpredictable. Ask the doula how they handle unexpected changes or complications and if they have experience supporting clients through challenging scenarios. Their ability to adapt and provide support in various situations is a valuable trait.
8. Can you provide references or testimonials from previous clients?
Speaking with past clients can provide insight into the doula’s effectiveness and reliability. Requesting references or reading testimonials can help you gauge their ability to meet client needs and expectations.
9. What are your beliefs about postpartum support?
Postpartum care is just as important as labor support. Discuss what kind of support they offer after the birth, including emotional support, help with breastfeeding, or postpartum planning. This ensures you have support not only during labor but also in the critical weeks following your baby’s arrival.
10. How do you handle communication and availability outside of labor?
Clear communication is key to a successful relationship with your doula. Ask about their preferred methods of communication, how quickly they respond to calls or messages, and their availability for questions or concerns leading up to your labor.
Bonus question: Why did you become a doula?
This is a great question to get to the heart of your doula’s passion. Understanding WHY she entered this field of work can be incredibly illuminating as to whether her philosophies and beliefs surrounding birth are in alignment with your own. Getting her to talk about her personal story is also a great way to find out on a basic level if your personalities are compatible - a not-to-be-underestimated facet of anyone on your birth team.
Of course, there are a thousand other things you might want to bring up. This is by no means an exhaustive list, but it’s meant to get you thinking about what information you may want to use to narrow down your choices. On the flip side, you might speak to someone, ask one or two of your questions, and say “I’m all in!” right off the bat. If that’s how you’re feeling, go for it!
As always, I’m here to help if there’s anything you’re unsure of :) no question is too awkward!
I’m cheering you on!
— Mannah
