Questions to Ask a Potential Doula
Essential questions to ask when interviewing a doula to ensure they're the right fit for your birth experience, values, and support needs.
1What is your training and certification background?
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What is your training and certification background?
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Why this works
Verifies their qualifications and ensures they have proper education in birth support.
2How many births have you attended, and what types of births?
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How many births have you attended, and what types of births?
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Why this works
Experience matters, especially with your specific birth plan (natural, medicated, C-section, etc.).
3What is your philosophy about birth and pain management?
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What is your philosophy about birth and pain management?
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Why this works
Ensures their approach aligns with your values and birth preferences.
4How do you work with medical staff and hospital policies?
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How do you work with medical staff and hospital policies?
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Why this works
Shows they can advocate for you while maintaining professional relationships with healthcare providers.
5What services do you provide during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum?
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What services do you provide during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum?
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Why this works
Clarifies the full scope of support and whether it matches your needs.
6What is your backup plan if you can't attend my birth?
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What is your backup plan if you can't attend my birth?
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Why this works
Ensures continuity of care even if your primary doula is unavailable.
7How do you handle situations where medical intervention becomes necessary?
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How do you handle situations where medical intervention becomes necessary?
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Why this works
Reveals their approach to medical decisions and whether they support all birth choices.
8What is your fee structure, and what does it include?
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What is your fee structure, and what does it include?
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Why this works
Provides complete cost transparency and ensures no surprise charges.
9How do you support partners and family members during labor?
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How do you support partners and family members during labor?
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Why this works
Shows they can work with your support team rather than replacing them.
10What happens if I need to transfer to a different hospital or have a C-section?
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What happens if I need to transfer to a different hospital or have a C-section?
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Why this works
Clarifies their role and availability during unexpected changes in birth plan.
11Can you provide references from recent clients?
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Can you provide references from recent clients?
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Why this works
Allows you to hear firsthand experiences from families they've supported.
12How do you handle disagreements with medical staff about my care?
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How do you handle disagreements with medical staff about my care?
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Why this works
Shows their advocacy style and whether they'll support your choices even when challenged.
13What is your availability around my due date?
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What is your availability around my due date?
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Why this works
Ensures they can be present for your birth and aren't overbooked.
14How do you help with pain management techniques?
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How do you help with pain management techniques?
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Why this works
Reveals their toolkit for supporting you through labor without medication if desired.
15What postpartum support do you offer, and for how long?
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What postpartum support do you offer, and for how long?
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Why this works
Clarifies ongoing care after birth and whether it's included in your package.
16How do you stay current with evidence-based birth practices?
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How do you stay current with evidence-based birth practices?
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Why this works
Shows commitment to continuing education and staying updated on best practices.
17What is your approach to supporting families with different cultural or religious practices?
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What is your approach to supporting families with different cultural or religious practices?
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Why this works
Ensures they can accommodate your specific needs and respect your traditions.
18How do you handle emergency situations during labor?
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How do you handle emergency situations during labor?
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Why this works
Reveals their training in crisis situations and ability to stay calm under pressure.
19What makes you different from other doulas?
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What makes you different from other doulas?
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Why this works
Helps you understand their unique approach and whether it aligns with your needs.
20Is there anything you won't do or situations you won't support?
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Is there anything you won't do or situations you won't support?
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Why this works
Clarifies their boundaries and ensures they can support your specific birth choices.
Best Practices for Choosing a Doula
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Best Practices
Interview Multiple Doulas
Meet with at least 2-3 doulas to compare personalities, approaches, and fit with your family.
Trust Your Instincts
You'll be vulnerable with this person during birth. If something feels off, keep looking.
Check References Thoroughly
Call recent clients and ask specific questions about their experience, not just general feedback.
Discuss Your Birth Plan
Make sure they're comfortable supporting your specific choices, whether natural, medicated, or C-section.
Question Sequences
The Experience Assessment Sequence
The Philosophy Alignment Sequence
The Practical Logistics Sequence
Common Pitfalls
Don't Choose Based on Price Alone
A cheaper doula might lack experience or availability. This is an investment in your birth experience.
Don't Ignore Red Flags
If they're evasive about experience, don't have references, or seem unprofessional, keep looking.
Don't Assume All Doulas Are the Same
Philosophies, experience levels, and approaches vary widely. Find someone who matches your values.
Don't Wait Too Long to Book
Good doulas book up quickly, especially around popular due dates. Start looking early in your pregnancy.