Doula Interview: What To Ask To Find The Right Doula
A Doula Interview is a big step when you’re preparing for childbirth! Our role is to offer continuous support, advocacy, and guidance to help ensure a positive birth experience. But choosing a doula that’s right for you, can be tricky!
You want to find one that makes you feel comfortable and confident in her presence.
I like to say “I’m your pregnancy bestie!” to all of my clients. Because my support includes everything from childbirth education, to listening to all of the “TMI” you can think of. I like to bond with my clients during their pregnancies in this way, because if you’re choosing me to be part of the most vulnerable event of your life I want you to trust me 100%! From emotional moments you just need to vent about, to receiving pictures of your Mucus Plug, I want it all.
What Is A Doula?
A birth doula is like having a superhero sidekick during childbirth.
They’re your trusty guide, your emotional cheerleader, and your knowledgeable buddy all rolled into one. From offering soothing massages to whispering words of encouragement, a birth doula is there to make your birth experience as smooth, empowering, and joyful as possible.
We also have your back when it comes to advocacy! Finding a doula that aligns with everything you believe in and desire for your birth is so important. You don’t want another person that might disagree with something you want or prefer, trying to convince you to change your mind. You want someone who’s going to take that burden and stand up for you! While also providing tips and techniques for helping you achieve those goals.
Benefits of Doulas
- Duration of labor shortened by 25%
- Cesarean rate reduced by 26-45%
- Instrumental deliveries reduced by 41%
- Synthetic Oxytocin use lowered by 40%
- Breastfeeding rate increased
- Epidural rate is decreased
- Women who used pain medication during labor decreased 28-30%
- Women’s dissatisfaction with birth experience decreased by 33%
- Mothers who had doula care showed significantly less anxiety, fewer signs of depression, and a higher level of self-esteem.
- Mothers who had doula care showed significantly increased levels of affection and interaction with their infants at six weeks postpartum.
I answer Frequently Asked Questions about Doulas on my contact page!
Questions To Ask During Your Doula Interview:
First Step: Find A Comfortable Location
After a standard consultation call that happens over the phone, you’ll definitely want to meet in person for the doula interview to get to know her. I recommend choosing a comfortable coffee shop or place that doesn’t get too loud or busy. This is so neither of you feel tense and can jump right into the questions you have!
What made you become a Doula?
What was it that sparked her interest? This is a great way to break the ice and lay the ground work for getting to know her. You want the vibe to be comfortable and more like a conversation, rather than an interrogation. That way you can get a feel for who she really is, not a curated version of who she is.
Are You Certified?
It’s important to know, certification is not required legally to be a doula of any kind. So, you’ll have to decide if this is important to you or not. If they are, ask them who they did their certification with. Ask them what the education and training process was like, then ask them if they do any continued learning like postpartum care and lactation support. This will help you get an idea of her knowledge about pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum to help you make the right decision for you.
How Many Births Have You Attended?
Now, there’s really no right or wrong answer to this. But it could help you weigh the pros and cons when making such an important decision! Newer doulas are typically more affordable and are very enthusiastic about getting started. While more experienced doulas really vary in price, but the experience could make you feel more comfortable if you’re thinking about having a home-birth with a midwife.
Do You Work Well With Medical Staff?
This question is for if you’re choosing a hospital birth and is so important! There are a lot of passionate doulas out there that are ready to throw down for you. If an L&D nurse or an OB seems like they’re not respecting your birth plan, this is great. However, you want an advocate that knows how to collaborate with the rest of your birth team to prevent stressful situations. Stress is the last thing you want during labor! But, if you’re shy and need a strong advocate to amplify your voice, she could be perfect for you.
Where Do You Attend Births?
Some doulas specialize in hospital births, only work in Birth Centers or are very passionate about birthing at home. Some doulas are flexible and comfortable working in all three! But maybe you’re having a home birth and want someone that is specifically trained for the home setting, to make you feel more confident in her ability to guide you.
How Often Do I See You?
This can depend on a lot. Her pricing should include at least 2-3 prenatal visits and 2-3 postpartum visits and of course, labor support for the big day. This is pretty standard, but she could also want to meet with you more or less often depending on her workload and personal preferences for care.
When Do I Call You?
For most doulas, you can call or text them throughout the remainder of your pregnancy and they’ll be “on-call” for you starting around 37-38 weeks. When it comes to your labor, every doula is different. Most will advise you to text them during Early Labor and call them when things are starting to pick up and get intense for you. But some have a time limit and prefer to meet you when you’re in Active Labor and heading to your birth location.
What Happens If Something About My Birth Plan Changes: Like An Epidural Or Transfer?
If you’re conducting a doula interview for an unmedicated birth, she might have preferences concerning things like the epidural or if you have to transfer from a birth center to the hospital. I’ve heard horrible stories about doulas leaving after someone has changed their mind and requested an epidural, this is unacceptable! The best way to know if you’re choosing a doula that wouldn’t abandon you during labor is to ask her if there are limitations to her support.
Do You Have Backup?
Sometimes, life just happens and we get sick. Maybe they’re also a mother and their childcare option isn’t available. Whatever the reason may be, you’ll want to know if you’ll be taken care. Her back up should align with everything she does, by almost 100%!
How Many Clients Do You Take On, Monthly?
Every doula is different. Some take on 4-5 clients on a monthly basis, this is the standard for a full-timer. But some only like to book 1-3 clients at a time. You want to avoid a doula that might over-book herself to avoid not having her available during your postpartum visits or worse, your birth!
Making The Decision To Hire A Doula
You should really take the time to process the doula interview and discuss with your partner if you both feel like she’s a good fit for you. If by the end of your interview, you’re confident she’s who you want. AWESOME!
But don’t be afraid to ask for more time. If you feel like having her there is adding pressure to make a decision, ask for a few hours or even days to make a decision. You definitely don’t want to make the decision if you’re feeling pressured to do so!
What You Should Consider:
- Do her answers align with what you want for your birth plan?
- Did she make you feel seen and heard?
- Did she ask you questions about yourself and your partner?
- Did you feel a connection with her?
A Doula interview is crucial to finding the right match for your unique needs and preferences during childbirth. It allows you to discuss expectations, get a sense of their approach to support, and ensure a strong connection and trust before the big day. Every decision you make should be an informed decision that enhances your birth experience and promotes a positive and supportive atmosphere during labor and delivery!
Education & Empowerment Childbirth Course
You may have heard tales of birth painted as fearful, agonizing, and beyond your influence!
But let me share the real story of childbirth with you.
