Questions to Ask Doula
Essential questions to find the right doula for your birth experience and ensure you have the support you need during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
1What is your training and certification background?
Click to see why this works
What is your training and certification background?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures you're working with a qualified professional who has proper education and credentials.
2How many births have you attended, and what types of births?
Click to see why this works
How many births have you attended, and what types of births?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand their experience level and whether they've worked with similar birth plans to yours.
3What is your philosophy about birth and labor support?
Click to see why this works
What is your philosophy about birth and labor support?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures your doula's approach aligns with your birth preferences and values.
4What services do you provide during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum?
Click to see why this works
What services do you provide during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand the full scope of support and what to expect at each stage.
5How do you work with my partner and family during labor?
Click to see why this works
How do you work with my partner and family during labor?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures your support team will work well together and that your partner feels included.
6What is your availability around my due date?
Click to see why this works
What is your availability around my due date?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Confirms they can be available when you need them most.
7How do you handle backup coverage if you're unavailable?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle backup coverage if you're unavailable?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures you'll have support even if your primary doula can't attend your birth.
8What is your fee structure and what does it include?
Click to see why this works
What is your fee structure and what does it include?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand the cost and what services are covered in your investment.
9How do you support different birth preferences (natural, epidural, cesarean)?
Click to see why this works
How do you support different birth preferences (natural, epidural, cesarean)?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures they can adapt their support to your specific birth plan and preferences.
10What comfort measures and techniques do you use during labor?
Click to see why this works
What comfort measures and techniques do you use during labor?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand their toolkit and whether their methods align with your preferences.
11How do you communicate with healthcare providers?
Click to see why this works
How do you communicate with healthcare providers?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures they can work effectively with your medical team while advocating for your wishes.
12What postpartum support do you provide?
Click to see why this works
What postpartum support do you provide?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand what help you'll receive after the birth, including breastfeeding support and recovery.
13How do you handle emergency situations or complications?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle emergency situations or complications?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures they can provide appropriate support even in challenging circumstances.
14What is your policy on photography or documentation during birth?
Click to see why this works
What is your policy on photography or documentation during birth?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand their approach to capturing your birth experience if desired.
15How do you support different cultural or religious practices?
Click to see why this works
How do you support different cultural or religious practices?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures they can accommodate your cultural needs and traditions during birth.
16What resources or referrals do you provide for pregnancy and parenting?
Click to see why this works
What resources or referrals do you provide for pregnancy and parenting?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand their network and additional support they can connect you with.
17How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with medical staff?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle conflicts or disagreements with medical staff?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures they can advocate for you professionally while maintaining good relationships with your care team.
18What is your experience with high-risk pregnancies or special circumstances?
Click to see why this works
What is your experience with high-risk pregnancies or special circumstances?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Important if you have specific medical conditions or concerns that require specialized support.
19How do you support the emotional and mental health aspects of birth?
Click to see why this works
How do you support the emotional and mental health aspects of birth?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures they can provide emotional support and recognize signs of anxiety or depression.
20What makes you different from other doulas, and why should I choose you?
Click to see why this works
What makes you different from other doulas, and why should I choose you?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Helps you understand their unique approach and whether their personality and style fit your needs.
Finding the Right Doula for Your Birth
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
Evaluating Doula Qualifications
Check Certifications
Look for certification from organizations like DONA International, CAPPA, or ICEA. These ensure standardized training and ongoing education.
Verify Experience
Ask about the number of births attended, types of births, and any specialized training for your specific needs or concerns.
Request References
Ask for contact information from previous clients who had similar birth preferences or circumstances to yours.
Ensuring a Good Fit
Philosophy Alignment
Communication Style
Availability and Logistics
Making the Most of Your Interview
Prepare Your Questions
Come with a list of questions that address your specific concerns, birth preferences, and what you need from a doula.
Share Your Birth Vision
Be clear about your birth preferences, fears, and what support you're looking for so they can assess fit.
Trust Your Instincts
Pay attention to how you feel during the interview. You need to feel comfortable and confident with your doula.