Questions to Ask Your Doula
Questions to Ask Your Doula
Essential questions to ask when interviewing a doula to ensure you find the right support person for your birth experience.
1What training and certifications do you have?
What training and certifications do you have?
Understanding their qualifications helps ensure you're working with a properly trained and certified professional.
2How many births have you attended?
How many births have you attended?
Experience level helps you assess their comfort and expertise with various birth scenarios.
3What is your philosophy about birth and labor?
What is your philosophy about birth and labor?
Ensures your doula's approach aligns with your birth preferences and values.
4What services do you provide during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum?
What services do you provide during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum?
Understanding their full scope of services helps you know what support to expect.
5How do you work with medical staff and healthcare providers?
How do you work with medical staff and healthcare providers?
Understanding their approach to collaboration ensures they'll work well with your medical team.
6What is your backup plan if you're unavailable for my birth?
What is your backup plan if you're unavailable for my birth?
Ensures you'll have support even if your primary doula can't attend your birth.
7How do you handle different types of births (natural, medicated, cesarean)?
How do you handle different types of births (natural, medicated, cesarean)?
Understanding their experience with various birth types ensures they can support your specific situation.
8What comfort measures and techniques do you use during labor?
What comfort measures and techniques do you use during labor?
Learning about their techniques helps you understand what support you can expect during labor.
9How do you support the partner during labor?
How do you support the partner during labor?
Understanding their approach to partner support ensures everyone feels included and supported.
10What is your fee structure and what does it include?
What is your fee structure and what does it include?
Clear understanding of costs and services helps you budget and know what to expect.
11How do you handle emergency situations or complications?
How do you handle emergency situations or complications?
Understanding their approach to emergencies helps ensure you feel safe and supported in any situation.
12What is your availability and how do you handle being on call?
What is your availability and how do you handle being on call?
Understanding their availability ensures they can provide the support you need when you need it.
13How do you support different birth preferences and choices?
How do you support different birth preferences and choices?
Ensures your doula will support your choices without judgment, regardless of your birth plan.
14What postpartum support do you provide?
What postpartum support do you provide?
Understanding postpartum services helps you plan for support after the baby arrives.
15How do you handle disagreements with medical staff?
How do you handle disagreements with medical staff?
Understanding their approach to advocacy helps ensure they'll support you while respecting medical expertise.
16What references can you provide from previous clients?
What references can you provide from previous clients?
Speaking with previous clients gives you insight into their experience and the doula's effectiveness.
17How do you support breastfeeding and newborn care?
How do you support breastfeeding and newborn care?
Understanding their knowledge of postpartum care helps ensure you get comprehensive support.
18What is your approach to pain management and comfort measures?
What is your approach to pain management and comfort measures?
Understanding their techniques helps you know what support to expect during labor.
19How do you handle unexpected changes to the birth plan?
How do you handle unexpected changes to the birth plan?
Understanding their flexibility helps ensure they can adapt to whatever your birth experience becomes.
20What questions do you have about my birth preferences and concerns?
What questions do you have about my birth preferences and concerns?
A good doula will ask thoughtful questions about your needs, preferences, and concerns.
Want to learn more?
Choosing the Right Doula
Want to learn more?
Choosing the Right Doula
The Interview Process
Meet in Person
Schedule an in-person meeting to assess chemistry and comfort level with your potential doula.
Ask About Experience
Inquire about their experience with births similar to what you're planning and any special circumstances.
Discuss Your Birth Plan
Share your birth preferences and see how they respond and what support they can offer.
Important Qualities in a Doula
Professional Qualities
Personal Qualities
Support Qualities
Making Your Choice
Trust Your Instincts
Pay attention to how you feel during the interview. You should feel comfortable and supported.
Check References
Contact previous clients to learn about their experience and the doula's effectiveness.
Consider Your Needs
Think about your specific needs, concerns, and birth preferences when making your decision.