5 Questions to Ask Your Doula

​If you’re thinking about hiring a doula, you may want to interview a couple of doulas before you make a decision.
Many families who schedule a consultation with me have several questions they want to ask. Others have just a few questions, or aren’t sure what to ask at all.
Here are five great questions to ask your birth doula before moving forward.
 
Question #1: Training and Certification
Some potential clients ask me, “Are you certified?” or want to know more about my training. My answer is YES! I have taken trainings from multiple organizations who have given me different perspectives, approaches, and skills that I use every day, and I actively maintain my professional memberships. Although I have learned a great deal from other doulas, midwives, healthcare providers, and others, my trainings provided the foundational knowledge for my doula practice.
I’m also committed to continually expanding my knowledge through ongoing training and staying current on research.
 
Question #2: Experience
You may also be wondering, “How many births have you attended?” or “When did you become a doula?” These are also great questions that I’m happy to answer. Many of the families who work with me are specifically seeking a birth doula who has experienced a wide variety of situations, supported many different kinds of births, has been to their birthing location before or knows their provider, is familiar with the physiology of birth, has supported emergency situations, and more.
 
Question #3: Support for Dads
I love when dads get involved in the doula consultation! Many families ask me, “Will you replace my husband at the birth?” The answer is a resounding no! I’m passionate about graciously supporting dads in being involved to whatever extent they would like to be.
My goal as your doula is for dads to feel confident and supported throughout the labor process as I alleviate the need to remember everything from your childbirth education classes or guess what to do next. I provide an extra set of hands, assist with advocacy and asking questions of your provider, explain what is happening, remind dads to care for themselves, take pictures, and provide a very calming presence. Dads who were initially skeptical often turn into my biggest fans!
 
Question #4: On Call Support
You may be wondering, “When will you be on call for me?” I keep things simple: I am on call for you as soon as we agree to work together and have signed a contract. I remain on call for you 24/7 through six weeks after your baby’s birth and am available through phone, text, or email to answer your questions, provide emotional support, and walk you through any changes in plan that occur. You get to decide how much or how little support you need. I’m here for you!
 
Question #5: Philosophy
“What is your philosophy?” or “Why did you become a doula?” are two questions I am frequently asked. I love answering these questions as I explain the heart and purpose behind this job, the beautiful story that got me here, and how I approach my role at your birth. Let’s get personal!
 
What Other Questions Do You Have?
I encourage you to come up with your own questions as well. Maybe you want to discuss a previous birth experience that you’ve had and how I would have supported it, or maybe you’re wondering what types of comfort measures I can assist with, or maybe you are looking for some guidance on choosing a care provider. I offer free consultations and am happy to take the time to answer all of your questions.
 
What is the Most Important Question?
Trainings, experience, on call details, and even a doula’s approach don’t matter as much as the most important question: “How does this doula make you feel?”
Whether you work with me or someone else, it’s most important that you feel comfortable and connected with the birth doula you hire. Do you feel that the doula you’re interviewing is compassionate, respectful of your decisions, and will have the knowledge and confidence that you need? Are your personalities a good fit? Do you feel that you can trust this doula and want her to be present during a very vulnerable, intimate time? If you feel good about your doula during your consultation, it’s probably the right fit and you can look forward to an amazing birth experience together!
Are you ready to learn more about doula support and have all of your questions answered? Reach out to schedule your free consultation with me! I can’t wait to talk with you!

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