You’ve decided to hire a birth or postpartum doula, but now what? It’s best to interview a few doulas to see who you click with and feel the most comfortable with. Here are a few questions to keep in mind to ask during the interview:
Birth Doula
- Are you available for my due date? (And the few weeks leading up to it and after it)
- When would you join me in labor?
- How do you plan to help me cope during labor?
- How can you involve my partner?
- What are your thoughts on pain medication and interventions?
- Why did you become a doula?
- What is your fee and what does it cover?
- Do you have a backup doula available? How did you choose them? How often have you used them?
- Do you have experience in birth complications?
- Do you have references I can speak to?
- Do you have additional services you offer?
- How long do you stay with me during labor and birth?
- What happens if I need a c-section?
- What if I have questions between visits? How do I contact you?
Postpartum Doula:
- Why did you become a Postpartum Doula?
- What is your role as a Postpartum Doula?
- What skills and abilities can you bring to my postpartum care?
- What would a typical day with us look like?
- Are you willing to do______________________________?
- What do you know about postpartum care?
- Do you offer breastfeeding support? What training do you have in breastfeeding support?
- Are you available to answer our questions and concerns even when you are not on duty?
- Do you have references I can speak to?
Questions to ask myself:
- Do I feel connected with this doula?
- Am I comfortable with them being a part of one of my most vulnerable times of my life?
- Are they knowledgeable?
- Did they ask me questions?
- Do they listen well?
- Are they interested in my wants and needs?
- Are they supportive of my decisions?
- Do they have her own agenda or pushy on certain topics?