Questions to ask a doula

For Any Doula

  • What training have you had? (If a doula is certified, you might consider checking with the organization to verify.)
  • Do you have one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet with the backup doula?
  • What is your fee? What does it include? What are your refund policies?

 

When interviewing a birth doula:

  • Tell me/us about your philosophy about childbirth 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/us through childbirth?
  • May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
  • When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?
  • Do you meet with me/us after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?

When interviewing a postpartum doula:

  • Tell me about your experience as a postpartum doula.
  • What is your philosophy about parenting and supporting women and their families during postpartum?
  • May we meet to discuss our needs and the role you will play?
  • What different types of services do you offer?
  • When do your services begin postpartum?
  • What is your experience in breastfeeding support?
  • Have you had a criminal background check and a recent TB test? Do you have current CPR certification?
 

You may want to interview more than one doula to find the right one for you.

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