20 Questions to Ask Your Potential Doula

You are getting farther along in your pregnancy. You are starting to think about hiring some extra support for your birth. So you reach out to some local doulas. But what do you even talk about at your consult? Here are some questions you could ask her!

Photo by Kate Carleton

1) Why did you become a doula?

This is an important question to ask and a really good way to get to know her. Usually this question leads to other topics of conversation and more questions too!

2) How many births have you been to?

It’s important to know how much experience your doula has.

3) What kinds of births have you been to?

And it is important to know what KIND of experience they have. What kind of birth do you want? Do they have experience supporting that kind of birth?

4) How long do you stay at a birth?

Birth is so unpredictable and it is good to know whether your doula will be there the whole time. Some doulas stay the whole time and others will leave after a certain amount of hours and have their backup come in instead.

5) If I want to labor at home before going to the hospital, will you come to my home first?

This kind of coincides with the previous question, but it is good to know whether they will support you every step of the way.

6) How will you support me?

There are so many ways to support a laboring mom. Some doulas are very hands on while others are more of verbal supporters. Knowing what you want and whether they offer that will help you decide if they are the right fit for you.

7) How will you support my partner?

Doulas are for partners too! Doulas are not just for the one laboring. They are there to support everyone.

8) How do you work with my care-provider?

Will they intervene if they see the birth plan changing? Will they advocate for you if things aren’t going to plan?

9) How many times will we meet during my pregnancy?

How many hours will you spend together getting to know each other before the birth? Make sure that you will have a good relationship before the birth.

10) What do we discuss during prenatal visits?

How are we going to prepare for my birth?

11) What if you can’t make it? Do you have a backup in place?

Having a backup is so important! Life happens, moms might go into labor the same day… emergencies happen. Do they have a back-up?

12) How will you support me postpartum?

Postpartum is just as important as the laboring and birthing. Whether they have postpartum services or not, it is important that they offer something postpartum.

13) Do you help with breastfeeding?

Breastfeeding doesn’t come easy! Most doulas have education in breastfeeding and can help at least a little. If they can’t help within a few minutes, will they refer you out?

14) What type of training have you had?

There are over 80 training organizations for doulas. Have they taken multiple trainings? What organization did they train under? Have they done continuing education courses?

15) How many clients do you take every month?

Many doulas will take 2-5 clients a month as to not overfill their schedule. Think about how many births you are comfortable with your doula having?

16) When do you go on-call for me?

Most doulas will go on-call when you get to full term.

17) What do you love best about being a doula?

Get to know your potential doula! This is a great way to find out more!

18) What is your philosophy on birth?

This is another great way to find out more! Do your philosophies match up?

19) Have you worked with my provider?

Having a doula who has worked with your provider, or at least, the place you plan on birthing is important for them to be able to prepare you better.

20) What is the deposit?

If you really like them, ask them how to pay it too!