When hiring a doula, finding someone who aligns with your birth preferences and provides the support you need during the pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods is essential. Here are some questions to ask when interviewing a doula:
Experience and Training:
a. How long have you been working as a doula?
b. What kind of training or certifications do you have?
c. How many births have you attended, and what types of births have you supported?
Approach to Birth:
a. What is your philosophy or approach to supporting families during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum?
b. How do you support families with different birth preferences, such as natural birth, medicated birth, or planned cesarean?
Availability and Backup:
a. Are you available around my estimated due date, and how do you handle being on call?
b. Do you have a backup doula in case you are unavailable during my birth?
Services Provided:
a. What services do you offer during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum?
b. How do you support partners during labor and delivery?
Client References:
a. Can you provide references from previous clients?
b. Do you have any testimonials or reviews from families you have supported?
Fees and Contracts:
a. What are your fees, and what do they include?
b. Do you offer different packages or payment plans?
c. Can we review and sign a contract outlining your services and expectations?
Prenatal Meetings:
a. How many prenatal meetings do you typically have with your clients, and what is the purpose of these meetings?
b. Can we discuss my birth preferences and any concerns I may have during these meetings?
Communication:
a. How do you prefer to communicate with clients? (Phone, email, text, etc.)
b. What is your availability for questions or support leading to the birth?
Additional Skills and Offerings:
a. Do you offer any additional services, such as childbirth education or postpartum support?
b. Are you knowledgeable about breastfeeding and newborn care?
Boundary and Confidentiality:
a. How do you handle boundaries and confidentiality with your clients?
b. Can you share examples of how you respect client privacy and maintain professionalism?
Remember, finding the right doula is a personal decision, and choosing someone with whom you feel comfortable and supported throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey is essential. Take the time to interview multiple doulas and select the one that best aligns with your needs and values.
If you would like to see if INSPIRE is right for you, feel free to message us today. A member of our team will email you to set up your phone consultation.
HAPPY BIRTHING!