Questions to Ask Your Doula
What is a Doula and What Do They Do?
A doula is a professional birth worker who supports a pregnant person (and their partner) throughout pregnancy, labor and birth. There are endless benefits to having a doula, some of which we discuss on our Birth Doula services page. Women who have a birth doula tend to experience an overall more positive birth experience.
Why Should I Ask My Doula Questions?
It is important that your doula’s personality, approach, and general philosophy align with what you are hoping and planning for. Don’t be afraid to shop around! You can interview doulas and gather valuable information on not just their experience and qualifications, but also on their methods and practices; ensuring you find a good fit for your preferences.
Questions to Ask Your Birth Doula
Most of the clients I work with interview somewhere between 3 and 10 doulas. Here are a few ideas of what to ask when you’re interviewing:
1. How did you get into birth work?
Knowing their WHY can help you get an idea of their background, their personal stake in the birth world, and what kind of doula they may be based on their experience. Being a doula is an exhausting and demanding job, so it’s likely that something big is driving their passion.
2. What was your training like?
There are SO many certifying institutes for doulas, with pros and cons to all. Some certifications require in-person work, and some can be completed entirely online. Most doulas I know are active consumers of evidence-based information and are always pursuing continuing education to better serve their clients. In my opinion, at a certain point, the certification doesn’t matter as much as the experience and knowledge. Some doulas also have extra training, with programs like Evidence Based Birth, Spinning Babies, Hypnobabies, and more.
3. What are your prenatal appointments like? What information do you discuss?
Because most doulas are self-employed, they have the freedom to create their own packages and appointment schedule based on their own philosophy and approach to birth. It’s important to know how many times they will meet with you while you’re pregnant, what their appointments are like, and generally what to expect. For example, because I’m also a pelvic floor therapist, I provide basic education on the pelvic floor. Many doulas have different areas of expertise and may share that with you in your prenatal sessions.
4. Do you include any postpartum visits in your price?
Some birth doulas include a postpartum visit in their packages to check in on you in the first few days/weeks. While birth doulas are different than postpartum doulas, it can be helpful to have someone check in and ensure all is going well. They can help you process the birth, answer questions and provide recommendations about your healing process, and check out any concerns regarding feeding. Some birth doulas have extra training as lactation consultants too. If not, they can refer you to someone else.
5. What is your experience like (at a hospital, home-birth, birth-center, planned c-section- wherever you plan to birth). Within the hospital, what is your experience with medicated vs unmedicated births?
Some doulas only attend births in certain settings. The experience in a hospital, home-birth and birth center are all very different, and you want to be sure your doula has experience in the setting you are planning. And a little hospital experience is never a bad thing in case of an emergency transfer.
6. Do you have a list of local resources or references for other specialists?
Most doulas have an extensive list of local and online resources as well as referral lists to other specialists. Wondering which childbirth education class to take? Ask them! Doulas can be fantastic networking resources for you and refer you to a chiropractor, acupuncturist, pelvic floor therapist, mental health professional, lactation consultant, pediatric therapist, pediatric dentist, etc. It’s always worth asking, “who do you recommend for…”
7. What kind of comfort measures do you typically use?
Some doulas are skilled with aromatherapy, massage, acupressure, TENS, hyponobirthing, etc. Get a feel for what their experience is and if it aligns with what you are looking for.
8. How do you include birthing partners? (Your partner, mom, sister, friend, or whoever else may be with you).
A birth doula supports the birthing person as well as the partner or support person. Chances are, your partner may be pretty scared and anxious about the prospect of labor and birth if they’ve never experienced it before. A good doula knows how to prepare the partner as well, helping them feel comfortable and engaged in the process.
9. How do you handle difficult healthcare providers? (Think- nurses, doctors or midwives who push interventions or communicate in a manner perceived disrespectfully?)
Unfortunately, many women report feeling out of control and pressured by their care provider throughout prenatal care, and during labor and birth. A doula’s main role is to support you in helping you achieve the labor and birth that you want. How do they manage care providers who threaten that?
10. What does your support look like if I have a cesarean vs vaginal birth?
Most people have an idea of how they would like birth to go… but it doesn’t always go according to the birth plan. Understanding how your doula would support you in various circumstances can help you understand their role. How does their support change if you’re planning a vaginal birth but suddenly require a cesarean? What about if you’re planning a cesarean?
11. Do you have a back-up doula? Can I meet them prior to labor?
Labor and birth are unpredictable- most babies do not come on their due date. Because doulas are human, and because emergencies happen, we can’t always make it to every labor and birth. A back-up is essential so that you still get the support you need throughout the process. Meeting that back-up doula is optimal, to ensure you have a good connection and feel comfortable with their approach.
12. How long will you support me? When does your on-call time start?
Just like with varying packages and prenatal appointments, doulas have different levels of virtual and in-person support. For example, I begin my “on-call” time 2 weeks prior to the baby’s due date. That means I am available 24/7 for virtual and in-person support. Many doulas have a limited time that they will spend with a birthing person (up to 16 or 24 hours). It is important to know how and when your doula will be available to support you.
Choosing a Birth Doula
A good doula can be expensive, but we’ve never met anyone who wished they didn’t have one. We know LOTS of people who wish they DID have one. We guarantee it’s an investment worth making.
Curious about hiring a doula but not yet sold? It doesn’t hurt to jump on a discovery call and see who fits with you best.
Written by: Dr. Courtney Trocinski