Pregnancy is an exciting time in your life, and as you prepare for the arrival of your baby, you may be considering hiring a doula to provide support during your pregnancy, labor, and birth. A doula is a trained professional who provides emotional, physical, and informational support to pregnant people and their families. The following blog outlines 8 doula interview questions that will help you in your search for the right doula.
When interviewing potential doulas, it is important to ask the right questions to ensure that you find the right fit for you and your family. Here are some questions you may want to ask during an interview with a potential doula:
1. What is your training and experience?
The first thing you should ask is about the doula’s training and experience. Ask about their training program, certification, and any additional workshops or courses they have taken. You may also want to ask about their experience with different types of births, including vaginal births, cesarean sections, VBAC, out-of-hospital births, and high-risk pregnancies.
2. What is your philosophy on childbirth?
Every doula has their own philosophy on childbirth, and it’s important to find one that aligns with your own beliefs and values. Ask the doula about their approach to childbirth, including their thoughts on pain management, medical interventions, and the role of the partner or support person. This is also an important question to help you determine if a doula will honor and respect your personal choices for your birth experience.
3. What services do you offer?
Doulas offer a wide range of services, from birth support to postpartum support to placenta encapsulation. Ask the doula about the specific services they offer, and whether they provide any additional resources or referrals for the services that they do not provide.
4. What is your availability?
You’ll want to make sure the doula’s availability aligns with your due date and birth plan. Ask about their availability for prenatal visits, as well as their on-call availability for labor and delivery. It is also important to ask how many other clients they plan to have around your due date.
5. What is your fee structure?
Doulas typically charge a fee for their services, which can vary depending on their level of experience and the services they provide. Ask the doula about their fee structure, including what is included in the fee, how payment is made, and whether they offer any discounts or payment plans.
6. Can you provide references?
It’s always a good idea to ask for references from previous clients. This can give you a sense of the doula’s style, professionalism, and effectiveness in supporting families during childbirth.
7. How do you work with medical professionals?
Doulas are not medical professionals, but they often work alongside doctors and midwives to provide support during childbirth. Ask the doula about their approach to working with medical professionals, and also what their approach is to advocating for clients’ needs and preferences in a hospital or birth center setting.
8. Can you describe a recent birth you attended?
Finally, ask the doula to describe a recent birth they attended. This can give you a sense of their experience and style, as well as how they approach different scenarios that may arise during childbirth.
Remember, finding the right doula is a personal choice, and it’s important to choose someone you feel comfortable with and who can support you in the way you need. Take the time to interview as many doulas as you need to, and be sure to ask these 8 doula interview questions to ensure that you find the right fit for you and your family.
