Questions to Ask Your Potential Birth Doula
The first question to ask a potential birth doula is whether she is available around your due date. If she is, then setting up a free consultation to meet her in person to go over the following questions and to make sure you are compatible is next.
Questions you may want to ask when meeting with your potential birth doula are:
After the interview, try to imagine the doula at the birth with you and see if you feel good about it. Ask yourself:
It's also a good idea to check a few references. Ask what they liked most about the doula and whether there is anything they wished she had done differently.
Questions you may want to ask when meeting with your potential birth doula are:
- What certifications do you hold? How and where were you trained? Are you a member of any doula associations?
- How long have you been a doula? How many births have you attended (or families have you cared for?)?
- What types of births have you attended? What unique or difficult situations have you dealt with?
- How will we communicate before the birth? Are you available to answer questions?
- How do I get in touch when labor begins? Are you always on call? When and where will you join me?
- What if you are unavailable when I go into labor? Do you have backups? Can I meet them?
- Do you have any clients with due dates similar to mine? How many births do you schedule per month?
- What are your philosophies on childbirth? How do you feel about epidurals? (Make sure your birth plan is compatible with her general opinions and practices. If you are still formulating your birth plan, ask for her suggestions, and see if they suit you.)
- How will you involve and interact with my husband during birth?
- How do you work with doctors and nurses during birth? How do you view your role, as compared with theirs?
- What techniques will you use to help me through labor?
- How long will you stay with me after labor?
- Have you worked with my doctor or hospital before? What was the experience like?
- What happens if I need a c-section?
- Do you provide any postpartum services? If so, when do you start and how long do you stay on? Do you have any experience helping nursing mothers?
- What is your fee and refund policy? What does it cover?
After the interview, try to imagine the doula at the birth with you and see if you feel good about it. Ask yourself:
- Do I feel comfortable around this person?
- Is she warm, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable?
- Does she communicate and listen well?
- Will she support my choices or does she have her own agenda?
It's also a good idea to check a few references. Ask what they liked most about the doula and whether there is anything they wished she had done differently.