How to interview a doula.
Finding a doula who is the right fit for you can be challenging in a brief phone interview. It’s a good idea to meet face-to-face to know if you are comfortable with her supporting you during an intense and intimate time. Think about questions that help you assess her skill level and her approach to birth to be sure you’ll be satisfied with the physical comfort and emotional support she can provide. Here are a few questions you may want to ask your potential doula to see if you are on the same page.
How many births have you attended as the primary doula? How many home births have you attended?
What do you have in your doula bag? (Comfort measures, essential oils, massage tools, snacks, affirmations, etc.)
What exercises do you leverage with clients to resolve different issues?
How do you promote labor progress without interrupting my flow state?
What distinguishes you from other doulas?
What is the most challenging situation you have faced at birth and how did you resolve the issue?
Why did you become a doula?
What is your philosophy of birth?
How would you describe your doula style?
What do you consider your greatest strengths?
If you were hiring a doula, what would you look for in a doula?
How do you feel about… (any specific concerns you have like autonomy, privacy, etc.)?
What is your fee and what does your fee include?
Do you provide other services like lactation support, childbirth class refreshers, postpartum doula support, light housekeeping, laundry, cooking, and the like?
Do you have a backup doula in case you’re at another birth? Can I meet her?
How will you partner with me and my partner to help me have the birth I want? (Has the doula asked YOU what you are looking for or does she think she already knows what you need?)
Do you provide home visits before the birth so we can build rapport?
Do you have references I can call?
