Choosing a Doula by Deb Rhizal

Interviewing doulas will help you engage the services of a doula best for you and your wishes for this birth. Coming to your interview with an idea of what you most desire from the support of a doula will help you learn about her experience and skill directly related to your personal needs and desires. Here are some questions to consider as you prepare to interview doulas and decide on who to hire:

1. What is your primary reason for wanting a doula?  Do you want help making the hospital setting comfortable and working with interventions with ease? Do you want someone skilled in helping you remain active with an epidural?  Is help coping with pain without medications your biggest concern? Are you hiring a doula to promote labor progress or help you understand labor as it unfolds?
   
2. How do you feel with the doula?  Is she easy to talk to? Does she make you feel affirmed and more confident?  Did you feel judged or misunderstood in any way during your interview?  It is very important that your doula be someone who uplifts you and honors you.
3. Does the doula provide ample time before your birth to discuss your birth plan or preferences, and is their philosophy of birth supportive of your preferred approach?
4. Are there any gaps in the doula’s availability? Are you comfortable with her back-up arrangements?
5. Does the doula provide the continued support you desire after the baby is born?
6. Is the doula comfortable with or willing to learn about any personal or cultural considerations important to you.
7. Do you have a past experience that you are processing as you prepare for birth?Is the doula sensitive, understanding or insightful as you share your experience?
   

10 Questions to Ask a Doula, by Penny Simkin,

The following questions may help you begin your interview.  Ask those that are important to you, as well as your personal questions related to your top reasons for wanting a doula, and any preferences unique to your family or your culture.

1. What training have you had?
2. Are you certified? By what organization? What were the requirements for your certification?
3. Tell us about your experience with birth, personally and as a doula.
4. What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
5. May we meet to discuss our birth plan and the role you will play in supporting us through childbirth?
6. May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
7. When do you join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the hospital or birth center?
8. Do you meet with us after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?
9. Do you work with backup doulas that cover for you when you’re not available? May we meet them?
10. What is your fee?