Getting Intimate with a Doula Interview-What to Ask

It is so important to interview multiple doulas before you choose who will be your support during your pregnancy, birth and postpartum.  It can be hard to know what interview questions for doulas to ask. You will be putting a lot of trust in this person.  It is important to make sure that they are a good fit, that they align with your birthing goals and family values, and that they have the knowledge and education that you need to make the best choices for your family.  Do you like this person and feel safe with them, comfortable talking with them about personal things, feel that they have the knowledge they need to support you?  Do you enjoy being around them? I offer free consultations to find out more about doulas and how I can support you. Contact me today!

Before interviewing a doula start with determining what support you need.  Do you need information on prenatal nutrition, how to find a provider, non-medicated comfort techniques or how to breastfeed your baby?  What kind of support are you needing during birth?  Also take into consideration your family culture and traditions around pregnancy, birth and postpartum.  I encourage you to make a list of questions before you start interviewing potential doulas and to take notes during or afterwards.

Remember, families have different priorities so some of these questions may not be appropriate for you.  It is a great idea to have your birth support (partner, family friend) be there at the interview as well. They know you and can help you determine if a doula is a good fit for you.

Doula interviews can be in person or via phone and zoom.

What Support Do You Need?

When interviewing a doula start with determining what support you need.  Do you need information on prenatal nutrition, how to find a provider, non-medicated comfort techniques or how to breastfeed your baby?  What kind of support are you needing during birth?  Also take into consideration your family culture and traditions around pregnancy, birth and postpartum.  I encourage you to make a list of questions before you start interviewing potential doulas and to take notes during or afterwards.

Getting To Know the Doula: Interview Questions for Doulas

Getting to Know the Doula, Personally

  • Why did you decide to become a doula, how long have you been a doula and how many births have you attended?
  • What training and education have you received?  Do you do continuing education?
  • What is your philosophy, core values or goals around birth? 
  • How would you describe your doula style?

…and Professionally

  • What birthing locations are you comfortable working in?  Home, birth clinic, hospital? Are you comfortable working at (name specific hospital or clinic)?
  • Are you comfortable supporting births where medical interventions such as epidural, inductions or cesarean are part of the birth plan?  Can you educate me on some common medical interventions?
  • What is your experience with birth complications?
  • Are you comfortable supporting non-medicated spontaneous vaginal births?
  • What experience do you have supporting families with breast/chest feeding? Do you have any lived experience breast/chest feeding?  Do you have any formal education supporting lactating parents?
  • Are you comfortable supporting my family traditions around birth and postpartum practices?

*Are you comfortable working with someone who identifies with my gender, race, sexuality, age or culture?

*How will you support me with comfort techniques during the birth?  What strategies do you use to facilitate labor progress?

*Can I contact you during pregnancy and postpartum to ask questions or discuss concerns?

*How will you support my partner and how do you see yourself as part of the birth team?

*What is your stance on informed consent?  How will you support me if my provider suggested something that is not in my birth plan and I disagree with them?

*What sources do you use to provide evidence-based information?

*Do you have a backup doula in case you can’t make it to my birth?

*What if it is a long birth? Will you stay with me the entire time or would you have someone relieve you?

*What insurance do you accept? Or What are your fees?

*Do you have any experience supporting folks who have had a traumatic birth experience in the past?  Or a history of sexual abuse?

After the doula interview ask yourself some of these questions:

  • What was your initial impression of this person?
  • Do you feel safe and comfortable around this person?
  • Do you feel confident in their abilities to support you the way that need?
  • Did you feel that they were listening to you and interested in what you wanted?
  • Did they seem knowledgeable and experienced?
  • Did their view on pregnancy, birth and postpartum care align with yours? 

For more ideas about interview questions for doulas check out DONA: How to Hire a Doula

I am excited that  you are creating a birth team to support you in this most memorable time in your life! 

Offering free consultation

  • I serve rural communities
  • I accept OHP
  • Meeting you where you are: supporting births in home, birth centers and hospitals
  • Contact me today!