How to Interview a Doula

There are a lot of options when it comes to hiring a doula, but since every birth is unique, it's possible to find a doula that’s the perfect fit for you! It can be a little overwhelming trying to find the right person to help with your birth, but with a few questions, it can be simple. 

To find the right fit, you’ll need to ask questions: to yourself and your potential doula. 

Questions to ask yourself: 

• What do I want help with during my pregnancy/birth? 

  • Do I need help with my birth plan, education, support during birth/postpartum?

• What roles do I want my doula to fill during my birth vs my partner, a medical provider, or someone else? (if you don’t know yet what a doula can do, ask yourself this as you meet with a doula) 

• How do you feel about alternative/complementary medicine practices? Which ones do you want at your birth, if any? 

• Do you have any special concerns about your birth? (i.e you’re birthing in a hospital, have had a previous traumatic birth, or have complications regarding your pregnancy) 

  • Do you want your doula to advocate for you during a birth?

• Do you have a specific cultural or religious background that you would like your doula to share? 

Questions to ask your doula: 

• What training have you had? Is the doula certified? This isn’t always necessary, doulas can work without certification, it’s just personal preference.

  • How many births have you attended? 

• Do you attend all births, or only hospital births/home births? 

• What is your philosophy about birth and supporting women and their partners through labor?

• May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me through birth?

  • How many times will we meet during my pregnancy? 

• When do you try to join women in labor?

  • After labor begins, do you come to our home or meet us at the hospital/birthing center?

• Do you work with one or more back up doulas for times when you are not available?

• How long do you stay after the birth/What support do you provide postpartum?

• What are your fees and your refund policies? What do those prices include? 

• How often can I contact you with questions/How can I contact you?

  • What are the hours that you will answer my calls/texts and can I contact you outside hours? 

If you have more specific questions you can ask those as well, for example: 

• I would like a doula that has a similar culture or religion as me, do you share this background? 

• Do you provide [insert an intervention you would like]? (i.e. herbs, counter pressure, rebozo, etc) 

You can also share any requirements you have as a client, to make sure the doula will be able to meet them. For example: 

• I would like a doula to be there as soon as my labor starts 

• I want you to teach my partner what to do and have them assist during the birth, with you there as support. 

If you still feel unsure, you can ask for references from previous clients. 

When you meet with a doula, you’ll do a lot of talking. The doula will want to know your desires and hopes for birth, and will guide you to help you achieve them.  

After meeting with the doula, ask yourself: 

• Did you feel like you connected with them? 

• Did they seem interested in your needs and hopes surrounding birth? 

• Did you feel comfortable around them? And do you feel like you could spend an extended period of them with them? 

If at any time, you feel like you and the doula aren’t a right fit, you can change and find a new one. Most doulas will offer a free consultation so you can get to know each other and you won’t have to pay up front for a doula you don’t like. 

Remember, this is your choice. You want a birth team that will support and empower you to receive the experience you want. It’s ok to ask questions, set boundaries, and be assertive asking for your needs.