When interviewing a potential doula, you will want to ask questions that help you determine whether or not this is the person for you. The questions below are meant to give you a clearer picture of what types of services your doula may offer, how they interact with clients throughout their pregnancy and labor process, and how they feel about certain aspects of childbirth (such as medications for pain relief). In addition to these questions, I strongly recommend asking about references from past clients.
Have you ever had any of your cases result in a C-section, and if so what were the circumstances?
Have you ever had any of your cases result in a C-section, and if so what were the circumstances?
The most common reason for a C-section is when the baby is in distress or there is concern that it might be. The second most common reason is elective (or planned) — this can mean that the mother has chosen to have surgery because she wants to avoid her own pain, or because she has been pressured by her doctor or insurance company to have one. In some cases, it may also be necessary due to complications with the pregnancy (such as preterm labor).
The decision about whether or not you should opt for an elective cesarean delivery should be made after weighing all of your options carefully; however, if there are no medical reasons behind wanting one then I would advise against it as they come with increased risks compared with vaginal births.
I am personally a VBAC Link certified doula and have advanced knowledge when it comes to helping mamas achieve a VBAC and avoid c-sections for first-time moms.
What is your stance on medications for pain relief during labor?
Sometimes an epidural or pain relief during labor is necessary to avoid a c-section. A doula who is completely against epidurals may not have the experience to keep labor moving if you get one. On the flip side of that, you want to hire someone who is going to motivate you when you feel like giving up and empower you to do hard thongs. There is a balance here and a good doula knows that.
How many births have you attended and have you been present for both vaginal delivery and cesarean births?
If the doula has been present for both, they will know what to expect. They can answer questions about what it’s like to be in the room with a woman who is giving birth and how different it is from seeing a cesarean delivery on TV.
If your doula hasn’t witnessed both vaginal deliveries and cesareans, you might want to ask them about their experience with each type of birth so that you know whether or not they would be comfortable assisting in either situation.
Do you have a philosophy about birth? What is it?
Your doula’s philosophy about birth should align with yours, if not you won’t work well together as a team.
My personal philosophy at Midland Doula is that every mama deserves an amazing birth, no matter what that looks like to her. I support my clients in whatever their vision for their birth is.
Do you offer services to same-sex couples (if necessary)?
You’re probably wondering if doulas are trained to support all types of families. The answer is yes! Doulas are taught that every family is different and has its own needs, so it’s important for them to be sensitive to those differences.
Doulas can also be a resource for same-sex couples who are having trouble finding other resources available in their community. It’s important that these couples have someone on their side who understands them and supports them through the process of becoming parents together.
If you’re wondering…Yes, Midland Doula is inclusive of all types of families. Everyone deserves an amazing birth.
How do you handle outside influences from family members during delivery?
In the event that a family member is interfering with the doula’s ability to provide care, they should be able to explain why they need to leave. The doula should also be able to tell them what their role is and why it’s important for them not to interfere with the process of labor and delivery.
As a result of this question, you want to make sure that your potential candidate understands how important it is for them not only to focus on you as a client but also to separate themselves from your family members so they can do their job properly.
In your opinion, what are the benefits of having a birth plan? Would you be willing to help me create one?
This is a very personal question and you should be careful to not offend the doula by asking it. A birth plan is a document that outlines what you want to happen during your labor and delivery, but it’s important to keep in mind that there are no guarantees when it comes to being pregnant or having a baby. A birth plan can help you feel more in control of your birth and more confident about what will happen during labor and delivery, but ultimately things may not go as planned (which isn’t necessarily bad). The doula should be willing to help create one with the client if they aren’t already familiar with creating them themselves!
Can I have a few references from past clients with their contact information? What is your relationship with these women now?
How doula’s clients feel about their experiences says a lot! Especially about their relationships and where it still stands.
I get so attached to my family’s and I stay close to them. I don’t just become your soul, I become your family.
During birth would you act as an advocate for my partner or myself in case we need that support?
The doula’s role is to support you and your partner, not replace them. If you need assistance with anything the doula can step in and help out. However, if it’s something that a doctor or nurse would do (such as checking for dilation), then they will ask for one of those professionals instead of doing it themselves.
Doulas are also trained to advocate for patients if they feel like something isn’t going right during labor/delivery. For example, The doctor may want to give an epidural but your partner doesn’t want one; this is where having a strong support system comes in handy because doulas know how important it is for everyone involved–the mother-to-be included–to have their voice heard throughout this process!
I personally try to empower you to advocate for yourself as much as possible but will step in when necessary.
Do you have a background in trauma-informed care?
1 out of every 6 American women has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in her lifetime. With the prevalence of assault and domestic violence, trauma-informed care is vital and the bare minimum. Your traumacan affect your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum periods, and you deserve someone who can hold space for that.
I have various trainings around trauma-informed care and am a survivor myself.
You should know who you are hiring as a doula; this interview will help.
Doulas are not trained professionals, nor are they doctors or nurses, or midwives, and they certainly don’t have any expertise in medicine or birth. They can provide support if you need it and knowledge about the process of labor but they aren’t there to give advice or tell your doctor what to do when things get tricky (and they will). If this sounds like something that would work well for you, then great! But if not–if there is any doubt in your mind at all–find another option.
Conclusion
You’re about to embark on the most important journey of your life and your partner’s life. We hope that this guide has been helpful in preparing for your upcoming birth experience and will make it a positive one for you and your family. Remember that there are many choices when it comes to hiring a doula, so don’t be afraid of asking questions until you find one that fits the type of support you need during labor! If you’d like more information about my packages and to set up a consultation, you can do so here!