Questions to ask a Doula when Interviewing

Re: Questions to ask a Doula when Interviewing

• tokenhoser member

  July 2013

  https://www.dona.org/mothers/how_to_hire_a_doula.php

  That has a list - but the most important thing is that you like her and feel like you can trust her and get on the same page. And that your husband also likes her and doesn't find her "too crunchy" - a doula supports your partner almost as much as she supports you, so you should both feel she's the right choice. 
  

  
  
  Natural Birth Board FAQs
  Cloth Diaper Review Sheet
  
  

  Report0 Reply
• Loading the player...
• aylafsu88 member

  July 2013

  I agree with Token.  Personally, the big question I had when interviewing a doula was how she would handle me if I thought I could no longer do it.  I wanted someone who would be strong, encouraging, and positive when I was doubting myself.  The doula I choose gave me a straightforward answer which I liked.  She was amazing and I attribute my positive birth experience to her.
  

  Report0 Reply
• kellyk17 member

  July 2013

  I agree with everyone above. I also asked:
  
  How do you act in high pressure situations?
  How will you know my breaking point?
  How will you support my partner through the birth?
  Do you worked at my hospital?
  What does your fee include? Will we sign a contract? What is the terms of payment?
  
  I really love the doula we found. Good luck!

  Report0 Reply
• MCPlus member

  July 2013

  Here are some of the questions we asked when interviewing that I found most helpful.

  1. How many moms are due around my birthing time?

  2. How do we (mom and partner) communicate that we need a break from everyone, you included?  How do you handle that?

  3. When will you join me during my birthing time?

  4. How long after the birth will you stay?

  5. How many meetings before and after birth will we have?

  6. What methods of birth are you trained?

  7. What other services do you offer? (mine does pre/post natal massage and also is a lactation consultant)

  8. What do you charge?  What does that include?

  9. What is your philosophy if I decide to use medicine or need a C-Section?

  10. Do you have a relationship with my doctor/hospital?

  11. How do you support my husband during the birthing time?

  Make sure you are comfortable being honest and that your desires for your birthing time mesh with the doula's philosophy. If you and your partner get along and feel comfortable, that is critical.

  

  Report0 Reply
• Soap1 member

  July 2013

  I feel like the most important thing for me was to know my doula wanted to give me the birthing experience I wanted, and not be motivated by any of her own ideas about what my birth should be like.  I wanted to labor naturally as long as possible but was open to the idea of an epidural (and ended up getting one when the baby was in distress and my progress stopped), and my doula was totally supportive and helpful in answering all of my questions and even just keeping a cool head while the craziness was happening!

  
  
  
  
  

  
  

  

  Report0 Reply