Questions To Ask A Doula
(from Doulas of North America, DONA)

The following questions will help you decide if a particular doula is right for you.

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?

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.