Ch.7/ 10 questions to ask during the doula interview
Hiring your doula is ultimately a personality match but these questions can be used as a guide to get some basics down.
Hiring a doula is kind of like finding a therapist – sometimes you need to talk to a few before you find one that you really click with and sometimes you love the first one you meet. You need to make sure they are supportive of your individual goals and are going to help facilitate the atmosphere you’re looking for. They can also help you figure out your goals and what you’re looking for, too!
So how do you get these answers? Here are some ideas of what to ask a doula during the meet and greet:
1. What inspired you to become a doula?
The path to becoming a doula is rarely linear or the same between two doulas. Learning someone’s background can help grow a bond and often we have skills from previous careers or life events that can be surprisingly helpful as a doula.
2. Do you have experience or interest in supporting my specific hospital/provider/medical condition/etc?
Every so often, I get a potential client asking about my certifications and while it is important that I trained to be a doula, the certification doesn’t mean a whole lot. There’s not just one organization that certifies doulas. Every organization does so in a different way and some are more comprehensive than others. Instead of getting into the weeds of differences in certifications and trainings, asking about a doula’s experience will give you a much better idea of their professional background.
3. How many clients do you take each month?
It’s good to get a sense of your doula’s general schedule. I’ve had clients still hire me even though I told them I was going to a wedding during their on call window and would be hiring a back up for that day and I’ve had clients that wouldn’t be comfortable with that arrangement. It all depends on how you feel about it but opening up the communication is helpful.
4. Do you work with other doulas for back up?
This works in tandem with question #3. Life happens so it’s good to know your doula’s back up plan. Do they work with one specific back up? Are you able to meet with them, too?
5. Do you practice other modalities that inform your doula practice?
A lot of doulas aren’t just doulas. Take advantage of their full offerings by inquiring about their other modalities. Many doulas are also lactation consultants, yoga instructors, reiki practitioners, childbirth educators, acupuncturists, etc. And if you’re interested in something that we don’t offer then we most likely know where to send you!
6. What are your thoughts on medical versus unmedicated births?
In my opinion, a good doula is someone who helps you get the information you need to make the best decision for you and then they support that decision. Some doulas prefer to support specific kinds of birth so it’s good to know if that is the case and if that lines up with what you’re looking for. A doula who only attends homebirths won’t be a good match for your high risk hospital induction. Best to figure that out in the interview.
7. How do you support partners or other support people?
Being a doula means supporting the entire birth team, including the partner or support person! It’s a big day in their lives, too. Ask your doula how they support you and your family as a whole and what that looks like on the day.
8. How do you interact with care providers?
I always smile when I get this question because I know it’s a thinly veiled way to ask “are you going to fight with my doctor?” A lot of people see doulas and OB’s as being opposites but that’s not the case. We’re both members of your birth team and need to work together. It’s good to get a sense of how your doula sees their role in the team.
9. What is the timeline of us working together?
Every doula does things a little differently so finding out the next steps and big picture can help you understand how your time together will go.
10. What are your fees and how soon do you need to know my decision by?
The nitty gritty. It’s good to know if your doula holds due dates after interviewing or if they work on a first come first save basis.
And if you’re pregnant in NYC, reach out to me! I’d love to answer all of these questions and more in a complimentary meet and greet.
