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Writer's pictureDarbey Gaynor

Comprehensive Guide: Questions To Ask A Doula

Updated: Oct 21


Questions to Ask a Doula

Deciding to hire a doula for your birth journey can feel like a big step. (And let's be honest, we may be a tad partial, but we think it's an excellent choice!) Perhaps you've started exploring local doulas online and you're now wondering what questions to ask a doula in an interview. The Womb Room can guide you through how to prepare, what to look for, what to discuss, and when to start interviewing. Let's dive in.


How Do I Prepare for a Doula Interview?


Preparing for a doula interview is a lot less about scripting questions and more about getting ready for a personal conversation. Yes, you read that right – a conversation, not an interrogation! There are a bunch of lists online detailing what questions to ask a doula (we have one below), but we believe the best doula interviews are less formal and more like a heart-to-heart discussion.


Discussing your birth plan with the doula can also provide insight into how they will support your specific needs and preferences. Additionally, discussing the doula's certification is crucial as it ensures they have the necessary training and aligns with your birth plan.


So, the first step in preparing for a doula interview is to get comfortable. Ensure that the setting is relaxed and conducive for a deep conversation. Feel free to bring your partner, if you have one, as well as a list of topics you want to cover. But remember, this is about emotional connection as much as it is about ticking off a checklist.


What to Look for When Choosing a Postpartum Doula?


Choosing a doula goes beyond their certification status or how many attended births they’ve supported. What really matters is their approach, their philosophy, their values, and ultimately, the connection you feel with them. It’s crucial to select a doula who resonates with your vision of birth, who supports your choices, and who feels like a good fit.


Understanding a doula’s style and how it aligns with your needs is also important. Inquire about their strengths and preferred methods of support to ensure a good match. Ask how they provide emotional support during the postpartum period and how they can help you stick to your birth plan. Postpartum doulas play a crucial role in supporting parents by providing both practical assistance and emotional support during the transition into parenthood.


During the interview, look for signs of empathy, understanding, and genuine interest. Is the doula engaging you in a meaningful conversation? Do they listen well? Do they seem supportive of your vision for birth? These are vital traits to look for when choosing a doula. Remember, your doula will be with you during an incredibly intimate and transformative experience, so you need to feel comfortable and secure with them.


What Do You Talk About in a Doula Consultation?


A doula consultation is your opportunity to dive deep into all things birth-related. Birth doulas provide extensive services and support, including prenatal consultations, labor, and postpartum care. You’ll discuss everything from the doula’s journey into birth work, their approach to labor support, and how they deal with unforeseen circumstances during birth. Make sure to cover how they can help you adhere to your birth plan and provide emotional support throughout the process.


The critical role of continuous labor support provided by doulas during childbirth cannot be overstated. But don’t forget, it’s also an opportunity to share about yourself and your hopes for your birth experience.


Questions to ask a doula during a consultation might include (full list below): 


  • How did you become a doula? What motivates you?

  • How do you support laboring mothers and their partners?

  • Can you talk about a time when a birth didn’t go as planned and how you helped the mother through it?

  • What does your support package include?

  • How do you help parents navigate informed consent?

  • How do you help parents create and stick to their birth plan?

  • What kind of emotional support do you provide during labor and postpartum?

  • What is the role of a postpartum doula and what services do they provide?

  • How many prenatal visits are included in your support package and what is their purpose?


When considering questions to ask when interviewing a doula -- Remember to also ask about their approach to working with healthcare providers, their view on advocacy, and their backup arrangements.


Also, don’t shy away from lighter topics too, like their interests, children, favorite item in their doula bag, or their involvement in the local birth worker community.


You want to gain a complete picture of this person who might be with you during one of the most significant moments in your life.


When Should I Start Interviewing Doulas?


There’s no “one-size-fits-all” answer to when you should start interviewing doulas. Some families start their search early in pregnancy, while others wait until the third trimester. What’s essential is to give yourself ample time to meet with several potential doulas, contemplate your options, and make a decision without feeling rushed.


Remember, you’re looking for a connection, and it might take time to find the right fit. Interviewing a few doulas can provide a better sense of compatibility, ensuring the chosen one aligns well with your family's needs and preferences.


In conclusion, finding the perfect doula is an intimate and rewarding journey that should never be rushed. Each conversation, each interview, brings you one step closer to discovering the person who will support, empower, and journey with you during one of the most beautiful and transformative experiences of your life.


We invite you to reach out to one of our trained and compassionate doulas to see if we might be the right fit for your birth story. Our team is here, ready to listen, guide, and walk with you on this magical journey of bringing new life into the world.


Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Doula

A Checklist of Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Doula:


Consider using these questions to guide your doula interviews:


  • Could you share your training and certification journey? Who is your certifying organization?

  • Have you pursued any continuing education related to your role as a doula?

  • How would you define your philosophy around birth?

  • What prompted you to become a doula? Was there an inspirational moment or event?

  • Could you explain your style of labor support?

  • Can you describe your doula style and how it reflects your approach to supporting laboring mothers?

  • Approximately how many births have you been a part of?

  • Can you detail your fees and what your doula package includes? What happens to the fees in case of unexpected changes in the birth plan, such as an emergency c-section?

  • If you have given birth, did your personal experience inspire your doula journey? Did you have a doula at your own birth?

  • Have you supported births at the location I’m considering? What has been your experience there?

  • How do you manage client overlap around the due date?

  • Is there a backup doula in case you’re unavailable, and can we meet them?

  • What does your pre-birth and postpartum support look like? Is there an extra charge for additional postpartum care?

  • What communication options do you offer for questions (email, text, call)?

  • Could you talk about any experiences with birth complications, c-sections, or home births?

  • At what point in labor do we meet, and how should I contact you?

  • Do you have any limitations for how long you stay during labor and childbirth?

  • How do you work in tandem with the birth partner, midwife, or doctor?

  • Can you share your approach to pain management and the coping techniques you commonly use?

  • What is your perspective on pain medication, including epidurals?

  • How long do you typically stay after birth?

  • Do you have expertise in breastfeeding instruction or other postpartum supports?

  • Do you offer any special services, like placenta encapsulation?

  • Could I access any reviews or references to understand more about your doula practice?

  • How do you support parents in creating and following their birth plan?

  • What types of emotional support do you offer during labor and postpartum?


Explore Our Doula Services


If you're considering hiring a doula, we offer a variety of services tailored to meet your needs. Our Birth Doula services provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support throughout your labor and delivery, ensuring you feel empowered and cared for during this important time. For those who prefer remote assistance, our Virtual Doula option offers expert guidance and support from the comfort of your own home, no matter where you are. Additionally, our Postpartum Doula services focus on helping you transition smoothly into life with your new baby, offering support with recovery, newborn care, and emotional well-being.

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