23 Questions to Ask a Doula
It’s important to find the right doula for you - to help you see if your and your potential doula’s views align and to avoid confusion later on, these questions can help you get that clarity:
What/who inspired you to enter this field of work?
Are you a certified doula?
What certifications do you hold?
How long have you been a doula?
How many births have you attended?
What types of births have you attended (home birth, hospital, birth center)?
Have you provided doula services for other women who have worked with my obstetrician? What was it like?
Have you provided doula services for other women who have given birth at the hospital I’m planning to give birth at? What was it like?
Are you available around the time of my birth?
Do you have other clients due around the same time?
How do I get in touch with you when I need help or support?
How do I get in touch with you when labour begins—are you always on call? When and where will you join me?
If you are unavailable when I go into labour, do you have backups?
Who is your backup doula? Can I meet the person who would serve as back-up?
What is your philosophy on childbirth? (Make sure your birth preferences are compatible with her practices and beliefs.)
What techniques will you use to help me move through labour?
How long will you stay with me after labour?
What happens if I need a C-section?
Do you provide postpartum services? Do you have experience helping nursing mothers?
What is your fee and refund policy? What does it cover?
Are there any possible extra costs that I should know about now?
Do you accept alternative payment arrangements?
May I please have the names of some women you have worked with recently and who would be willing to share their experience for reference purposes?
