Birth Doula Interview Questions
Whenever expectant parents are considering hiring a birth doula to support them, we commonly are asked, “I have no idea what to ask! Can you please give me some questions I should ask?”
While the “right” questions will vary from person to person, here are just a few to get your creative juices simmering.
Sidenote: If you haven’t already asked your care provider about their opinion on doula support, it’s wise to do this before hiring one. In the unlikely event that they don’t have a positive opinion, consider probing a bit to learn why they feel this way. This may give helpful insight about the care provider you’ve hired.
What led you to become a doula?
Tell me about your experience, training and/or certification(s) (if applicable).
Do you have specific specialties/modalities?
What’s your fee and what does it cover? Refund policy?
How many clients do you take on per month?
Will you have a backup arrangement? If so, will I be able to meet the backup and will they have comparable experience? How often have you needed to use backup?
If it’s a doula partnership, ask about the on-call structure.
Have you worked with my OB/midwife? (If you have, what’s your opinion and how do you get along with them?)
Have you worked at my birthing location/setting?
What’s your communication approach in labor? (Do you advocate for me directly to the staff or make suggestions to me/my partner on how to advocate for ourselves?)
What happens if I need either a scheduled cesarean or if my labor goes in such a way that I need a cesarean?
When do you join me in labor?
What do we do in our prenatals?
How do you involve my partner (if applicable)?
How do you prefer to communicate (phone/text/email, times of day, etc.)
What pain coping techniques/comfort measures do you find yourself using most with your clients? (and you have a specific preference/need, ask about this)
Do all of your clients have unmedicated births? How do you feel about pain medications?
Also, think about any special, personal needs you might have – e.g. do you need a doula who speaks a specific language or is well-versed in specific cultural or religious rituals surrounding pregnancy, birth, postpartum?
Would any of your previous clients be willing to chat with me for a reference?
During & after interview, consider:
Do I feel comfortable around this person – comfortable enough to be with in a completely vulnerable state?
Does the doula have the kind of energy/approach I think will help me through labor?
Does the doula communicate and listen well?
Will this doula support my choices or do they have their own agenda?
If you’re an expectant parent or birth worker, let us know if there are things you’d add!
