Doula questions...

kboydbowman

So my wife and I are interviewing a potential doula on Sunday.  I've looked at some of the online "things to ask" stuff, but I'm wondering what things people consider most important (besides general connections, obviously).  For those of you who have used doulas in the past, what do you think is most important?  Is there anything you wished you had asked but didn't, in hindsight?

dmhrn13

who she's worked with (provider wise)

who she likes & doesn't & why

mainly out of hospital birth or in- these 3 things are going to change how she guides you- you want someone who is on your page. if you're planning a hospital birth but she's most comfortable out of the hospital she can actually make it more difficult for you at the hospital & with your providers

will she come to your house

will she check you (they shouldn't)

will she help with breastfeeding- but does she have children of her own- this makes a world of difference

how many births she's attended- you want to know how in tuned she is

aylafsu88

The big question I had was how she would handle me when I "thought" I could no longer do it. I wanted someone who would be strong, encouraging, and determined, especially when I doubted myself. My doula gave me a straightforward answer which I really liked. In birth I did ask for something for the pain. My doula told me that LO would be here in a few pushes and I was almost done. She was strong and positive throughout my birth.
The other thing that I would ask is her experience with babies who are OA or in a bad position. I had an anterior placenta and LO was likely OA. My doula was aware of this and was ahuge help during labor to get me into better positions.