Picking a doula can be a hard decision. You need to find someone you could spend 24 hours or more with and who can help you feel better on one of the most vulnerable, intense, and special day(s) of your life.
So much of picking a doula is about connection. So while I’ll list some questions to ask to gather information, pay attention to how the doula makes your FEEL in general. Do you have fun on the interview, did you leave feeling a little less anxious? How did your partner like them? Here are some important questions to ask including some I’m rarely asked that I think are the most important.
top questions to ask your doula:
How did you get started as a doula? What training/experience do you have?
What is your ideal client like?
Do you prefer to work in certain settings or with parents with a particular type of birth goal?How do you feel about working at [insert birth place] and with [insert midwife/OB name or group]?
How many clients do you take each month and about how many times have you had to use back-up in the last year?
Who are your back-up doulas? Is there a way we could meet them and have their contact information just in-case you can’t be reached? If you asked to meet back-up consider a virtual meeting and offer to pay for the doulas time.
How often do we meet before and after the birth?
When are you on-call for my labor? (usually starts at 37 or 38 weeks on)
What are your favorite ways to help parents in labor?
How do you like to be contacted during my pregnancy outside of scheduled meetings? For labor or for non-urgent matters? What are your boundaries for client contact?
How do you see your role in my birth?
Do you see yourself as an advocate for birthing parents? If so, how do you go about advocated for parents? I’m thinking about communication styles - do you want a doula with boxing gloves or looking for someone who will gently help you explore your options?
What are your fees, how are they paid, when (if ever) are there refunds provided? Ask to see their contract.
