Questions to Ask a Prospective Birth Doula

The following questions will help you decide if a particular doula is right for you. You may consider asking these questions on the phone, before having an in-person interview.

• What training have you had? (If a doula is certified you may consider
  checking with the certifying organization.)

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

• When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or do you meet us at the place of birth?

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

• May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?

• Do you meet with me (us) after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?

• Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet her/them?

• What is your fee, what does it include, and what are your refund policies?

• Can you provide references? (Be sure to check the references.)

When you meet the doula (and it is a good idea for both of you and your partner to meet her), pay particular attention to your personal perceptions of the doula. Is she kind, warm, enthusiastic? Is she knowledgeable? Does she communicate well? Is she a good listener? Is she comfortable with your choices or does she seem to have her own agenda? Do you feel comfortable with her? The way you feel with her may be more important than the number of births she has attended. You may want to interview more than one doula and make a comparison to help you find the doula who is right for you.

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