What to Ask When Choosing a Doula

For any Doula:

~What training have you had? (If a doula is certified, you might consider checking with the organization.)
~Do you have one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet her/them?
~What is your fee, what does it include, and what are your refund policies?

When interviewing a Birth Doula:

~Tell me/us about your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor.

~May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me/us through childbirth?

~May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?

~When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?

~Do you meet with me/us after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?

"Every mother and baby deserve a gentle birth"

When interviewing a Postpartum Doula:

~Tell me about your experience as a postpartum doula.

~What is your philosophy about parenting and supporting women and their families during postpartum?

~May we meet to discuss our needs and the role you will play?

~What different types of services do you offer?

~When do your services begin postpartum?

~What is your experience in breast-feeding support?

~Have you had a criminal background check, a recent TB test? Do you have current CPR certification?

~You may want to interview more than one doula to find the right one for you.

Valley Foothill Doula Collective

"The newest advancement in childbirth is thousands of years old"