Questions to ask when interviewing a doula
So you’ve decided to hire a doula. That’s great!
Now the hardest part begins - Figuring out which doula is right for you.
Having a baby is one of the biggest changes of your life, and having the right support is crucial. Just as you are a unique person with unique needs and desires for your family, each doula is a unique person with unique experiences and skills. To be honest, I’ve never met a doula I didn’t like, or didn’t feel was qualified to support families, but finding a good match is really important.
Let’s be really honest for a second here -
Birth is special. It’s raw, it’s vulnerable, it’s sacred, and it’s messy. You are inviting this person into this space with you, to share in your experience.
Your doula will see you naked!
It is important that you feel comfortable with them so that they can serve you best.
To make the right choice, have an idea of what your needs are. Ask yourself a few questions before you start your search:
What type of doula support am I looking for?
What qualities do I value most in a doula?
What’s my budget?
Next, there are four main categories to consider:
Personality & Individual Style
Training & Experience
Services Offered & other logistics
Contracts & Costs
Chances are good that you can learn a lot about a particular doula from their website or social media channels, but having a sit-down conversation with them, either virtually or in-person, is key. You don’t have to ask all of the questions on this list, but pick the ones that you feel are most important to you and your birth goals. Consider having a checklist during your meeting so you’ll be sure not to miss asking any crucial questions. Don’t be shy about jotting down a few notes if you’d like to. Finally, make sure to notice not simply what they say but how they say it. Let your instincts be your guide as you search for the right fit for your family.
To learn about their personality and individual style:
Why did you become a doula?
What do you love most about being a doula? What do you find most challenging about it?
What is your philosophy on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum?
Tell me how you work with birthing families while in labor.
Are there practices you do not readily or happily support during labor/birth, like epidural, cesarean, induction?
How do you involve/include my partner during labor and birth?
What's your relationship like with care providers and hospital staff?
How do you handle conflicts with family members or medical professionals?
How do you handle the unexpected in birth?
What do you bring with you to a birth?
What techniques do you use to help me through labor and birth?
To learn about their training and experience:
How long have you been practicing?
How many births have you attended or families you’ve supported?
Tell me about your training (from which organization, for how long, etc.).
Are you certified? From where?
What do you do to stay current with your knowledge and/or certification?
Do you have any extra/special skills or certifications outside of labor and birth support?
Do you help with breastfeeding? What's your experience and training with breastfeeding?
Have you attended a birth at my chosen birth location (specific hospital or birth center, or at home)?
Do you have reviews written about you or references I can speak to?
To learn about their services and other logistics:
How many prenatal meetings and postpartum visits do you provide?
When do you go on-call for me?
What if I go into labor before or after your on-call time?
When will you join me in labor?
What if I give birth before you arrive?
How long after I give birth do you stay with me?
What happens if you can't make it to my birth?
What happens if you have two people in labor at the same time?
Do you work solo or with another doula(s)?
What's your back up arrangement like? Do I get to meet her?
Can I call you at any time, or do you have "office hours"?
To learn about their contracts and costs:
What is your full fee? What services does your fee include?
Do you offer any add-on services?
Is your fee due in full or do you have a payment schedule?
How much of a deposit is due and when?
Do you offer full or partial refunds for any reasons?
Do you offer any financial assistance/scholarships/discounts?
Do you accept health insurance/FSA/HSA?
After you’ve met with a candidate, take some time to write down a few immediate impressions. To help you reflect on your meeting and make the right decision, ask yourself some of the following questions:
Did the doula's answers and experience meet my priorities?
Did I feel comfortable with this doula? Did my partner?
Did they seem compassionate?
Did they communicate well?
Did they seem knowledgeable?
Do I feel confident about this doula's abilities?
Do I think this doula would work well with staff and care providers?
Did they ask me any questions?
Did I feel as if they were really listening to me during the interview?
Did I feel they were interested in me and what I want?
Did their views on pregnancy, childbirth and medical care align with my own?
What's my gut telling me? Did I "click" with this doula?
Remember, the person you choose will be your guide through this incredible journey, and you will want that person to be someone you like and trust. Always go with who fits best for you. As I mentioned before, it is really important to feel safe and secure with the doula that you hire.
Request your free consultation today!
For additional information, check out some of these resources:
Hiring a Doula - A Guide for Parents by DONA International
Find a Doula by DONA International
Find a Doula by Birthing Advocacy Doula Trainings
