How to Interview a Doula for Birth and Postpartum Support
From the Doula…
“During this interview not only are you interviewing me (Ashley Norris), but I am also interviewing you. I feel that having a mutual respect and desire to move forward as a team in important to our doula/client relationship.”
-Ashley Norris, IBCLC, CD(DONA), CCCE
How to Interview a Doula for Birth and Postpartum Support
Choosing the right doula for your birth or postpartum journey is an important step in creating the support system you need. Whether you're seeking guidance during labor or looking for help in the early days of parenting, a doula can be an invaluable resource. But how do you find the right fit? Here are some key questions to ask when interviewing a doula.
1. What Is Your Experience and Training?
Understanding a doula’s background will help you gauge their level of expertise and compatibility with your birth or postpartum preferences. Ask about:
Their certification and training (e.g., DONA, CAPPA, Birth Arts International, etc.)
How many births they’ve attended or how many postpartum clients they’ve supported
Their experience with specific birth settings (home birth, hospital, birth center)
Any additional specialties (e.g., lactation support, infant sleep, babywearing)
2. What Is Your Birth or Postpartum Philosophy?
Every doula has a unique approach to supporting families. Consider asking:
How do you support different birthing preferences (e.g., medicated, unmedicated, cesarean, VBAC)?
How do you approach postpartum recovery and newborn care support?
How do you advocate for clients while working alongside medical providers?
3. What Services Do You Offer?
Doulas may provide a variety of services beyond labor support. Some offer:
Prenatal education and preparation
Hands-on labor support (comfort measures, positioning, emotional reassurance)
Postpartum care (feeding support, newborn care, emotional well-being)
Placenta encapsulation, childbirth education, or sibling support
4. What Does Your Availability Look Like?
If hiring a birth doula, you’ll want to ensure they’re available around your due date. For postpartum doulas, check their scheduling options:
How many clients do you take per month?
What is your on-call availability?
Do you work with backup doulas if you’re unavailable?
5. What Are Your Fees and Payment Options?
Understanding the financial investment upfront is important. Ask about:
Their package options and what’s included
Payment plans or sliding scale fees
Whether they accept HSA/FSA funds or offer gift certificates
6. Can You Share Testimonials or References?
Hearing about other families’ experiences can help you make an informed decision. Ask:
Can you share past client testimonials?
Do you have references I can contact?
Do you have reviews on social media or your website?
7. What Happens If I Need Additional Support?
Labor and postpartum experiences can be unpredictable. It’s good to know:
How do you handle longer-than-expected labors?
Do you provide virtual support if needed?
Can I reach out for additional postpartum visits or support beyond my initial package?
8. Do We Seem Like a Good Fit?
Beyond qualifications, choosing a doula is about connection and trust. Ask yourself:
Do I feel comfortable and supported by this person?
Do they respect my birth and parenting choices?
Do their personality and energy match what I need in this experience?
Final Thoughts
Interviewing a doula is about finding someone who aligns with your needs, values, and vision for your birth or postpartum experience. Trust your instincts—if you feel heard, supported, and confident in their abilities, you’ve likely found the right match!
If you’re looking for a doula, start reaching out early in your pregnancy or postpartum period to ensure availability. The right support can make all the difference in your journey!
🌿 Book a Free Consultation Today!
Let’s chat about how birth and/or postpartum doula support can improve your newest journey. Contact me at Monadnock Perinatal, LLC or visit www.monadnockperinatal.com to learn more!
📩 hello@monadnockperinatal.com | 📞 413-923-2323 | 📍 415 Marlboro Street, Keene NH 03431
