Coming Up With Important Questions When You Hire A Doula

Hiring a doula can be a great way to get support and guidance during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. Doulas are trained professionals who provide emotional, physical, and informational support to families during the childbirth process.

What is your philosophy on childbirth and how do you support women during labor and delivery?

You may want to ask how she helps women cope with pain during labor, how she supports women who have medical interventions or complications, and how she works with medical staff. The more specific you are with your questions, the more you’ll get to know the doula and how she would best support you.

Doulas have different approaches to childbirth, and it’s important to make sure that their philosophy aligns with your own.

What services do you offer and what is your fee?

Doulas may offer a range of services, including prenatal visits, labor support, postpartum visits, and breastfeeding support. You may want to ask what services are included in the fee, how much they charge, and if they offer any payment plans or sliding scale fees.

You may also want to ask about any additional fees, such as travel expenses or fees for attending a longer-than-expected labor.

What is your availability around my due date?

It’s important to make sure the doula will be available when you need them. You may want to ask about their availability around your due date and how they handle backup doula support in case of an emergency or conflicting births.

Can you provide references from previous clients?

Talking to previous clients can give you a better sense of the doula’s experience and how they work with families. You may want to ask for references and follow up with them to ask about their experience with the doula.

Do you have any specific training or experience working with families in my particular situation?

If you have a specific situation, such as a high-risk pregnancy, a history of trauma, or a planned cesarean birth, you may want to ask if the doula has specific training or experience working with families in your situation.

How do you communicate with clients before, during, and after birth?

You may want to ask how the doula communicates with clients, how often they check-in, and what their policy is on communication during labor and delivery.

These are just some questions to get you started. You may have additional questions based on your specific needs and preferences. I suggest writing out your questions and writing down anything that comes up that you want additional information on while interviewing. It’s also helpful to interview 3 doulas to see how they differ and determine who is the best fit for your family and situation.