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?
Click to see why this works
What training and certifications do you have?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their qualifications helps ensure you're working with a properly trained and certified professional.
2How many births have you attended?
Click to see why this works
How many births have you attended?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Experience level helps you assess their comfort and expertise with various birth scenarios.
3What is your philosophy about birth and labor?
Click to see why this works
What is your philosophy about birth and labor?
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
Understanding their full scope of services helps you know what support to expect.
5How do you work with medical staff and healthcare providers?
Click to see why this works
How do you work with medical staff and healthcare providers?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
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?
Click to see why this works
What is your backup plan if you're unavailable for my birth?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
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)?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle different types of births (natural, medicated, cesarean)?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their experience with various birth types ensures they can support your specific situation.
8What 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
Learning about their techniques helps you understand what support you can expect during labor.
9How do you support the partner during labor?
Click to see why this works
How do you support the partner during labor?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their approach to partner support ensures everyone feels included and supported.
10What 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
Clear understanding of costs and services helps you budget and know what to expect.
11How 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
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?
Click to see why this works
What is your availability and how do you handle being on call?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their availability ensures they can provide the support you need when you need it.
13How do you support different birth preferences and choices?
Click to see why this works
How do you support different birth preferences and choices?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Ensures your doula will support your choices without judgment, regardless of your birth plan.
14What 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
Understanding postpartum services helps you plan for support after the baby arrives.
15How do you handle disagreements with medical staff?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle disagreements with medical staff?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their approach to advocacy helps ensure they'll support you while respecting medical expertise.
16What references can you provide from previous clients?
Click to see why this works
What references can you provide from previous clients?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Speaking with previous clients gives you insight into their experience and the doula's effectiveness.
17How do you support breastfeeding and newborn care?
Click to see why this works
How do you support breastfeeding and newborn care?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their knowledge of postpartum care helps ensure you get comprehensive support.
18What is your approach to pain management and comfort measures?
Click to see why this works
What is your approach to pain management and comfort measures?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
Understanding their techniques helps you know what support to expect during labor.
19How do you handle unexpected changes to the birth plan?
Click to see why this works
How do you handle unexpected changes to the birth plan?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
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?
Click to see why this works
What questions do you have about my birth preferences and concerns?
Click to see why this works
Why this works
A good doula will ask thoughtful questions about your needs, preferences, and concerns.
Choosing the Right Doula
Expert tips and techniques for getting the most out of these questions.
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.