Questions To Ask A Prospective Doula

Selecting the ideal doula for you can be a challenge.  Here are some suggestions as to questions you may want to ask before you hire them:

• Are they certified?

• Do they provide prenatal and/or postpartum services?

• What should you expect from the doula?

• How many births have they attended?

• Are they able to provide references?

• What form of training have they been through?

• What type of births have they witnessed?

• What is the fee?  Do they provide sliding scale/other arrangements?

• Have they ever worked with your healthcare staff/hospital?

• Do they have a back-up doula available?

• What is their role in early labor?

• Will they provide labor support at home before going to the birthing center/hospital?

• Are they familiar with many methods of childbirth?  If so, which ones?

• How do they define their role in your labor?