Questions When Interviewing A Potential Doula

Choosing the right doula can be overwhelming. Thankfully, we live in a time when doulas are more available. Meaning you probably have a wide variety of potential doulas to interview and hire. One way to make this “hiring process” easier is this pre-list of questions already prepared. Take a gander; feel free to use as many or as little to get you going on your interview :)

Questions:

• Background/Experience

  • What inspired you to become a doula?

  • How many births have you attended?

  • How long have you been a doula?

  • Do you have any extra qualifications/certifications?

• Approach

  • How active of a role do you take?

  • How do you support the partner or other family member?

  • Are you ok with medical interventions or solely natural?

• Techniques

  • What comfort measures do you implement during labor?

  • Do you prefer a specific setting? (i.e. birth center, home, hospital)

  • Do you support births differently depending on the approach? (i.e. epidural, cesarean, induction, non-medicated)

• On-Call

  • When do you start on-call for my due date?

    • What does your on-call look like?

  • Will I meet any back-up doulas prior?

  • How many clients do you take each month?

• Finances

  • What is your fee?

  • What all does that fee entail?

  • Do we sign an official contract?

• Communication

  • How do we communicate?

  • How do you provide information for disagreements between the mom and the supporting person?

• “Elevator Pitch”

  • What makes you unique from other doulas?

    • Why should we choose you?

  • How do you help your clients feel emotionally safe and supported?

Of course, you can use any or all of these. Maybe some of them even sparked your own questions. Remember, you want to feel comfortable with the doula you choose. So ask any and all of the questions you feel you need to. You could be together with your chosen doula for 48+ hours ;)