QUESTIONS YOUR DOULA MAY ASK YOU

You are considering a doula. Good. You have an interview with a doula. Great. You have the list of questions you want to ask the doula in the interview. Even better!

And just as much as this is a big decision for you, it is also a working relationship that the doula will want to feel just as comfortable with you as you are with them.

So when you are in the interview, don’t be surprised if the doula asks you questions. Some are listed below:

Why do you want a doula?
How do you view my role as your doula?
How do you think a doula will be helpful to you (and your partner)?
What specific things would you like me to say or do to help with the pain?
Do you want your doula with you at all times, or to check in regularly, or to be involved only in the moments of the birth, or only in the hours of labor up until birth?
What specific things would you like me to NOT do?
Are you and your partner on the same page? Do you feel like you listen to one another?
What are you doing to prepare for your birth (taking classes, reading books, etc)?
How is your partner supporting your birth vision?
Why did you select your professional care provider (Midwife, OB/ GYN) for this pregnancy and birth?
Where are you giving birth?
How are your prenatal appointments going? Do you feel good with your choice of provider/location?
What attributes or qualities are you seeking in your birth team and attendants?
Do you struggle with body image issues which may inhibit your comfort within your birth space? Please elaborate, so that inhibition doesn’t thwart the natural course of labor and delivery.
Do you have a history of past sexual abuse?
Do you have a history of past sexual assault or trauma?
How will you react if the doctor says that you need a C-section?
Do you want an epidural? Other pain medication?
Do you want to see the baby’s head or touch it?
Do you want to cut the cord?
Describe your ideal birth scenario…
Describe your worst birth scenario…
Describe your vision of my role as your doula:
What other comments do you have for me as we prepare for your labor and delivery?
How would you like me to handle your pain? (massage, medication, verbal support, etc?)
Do you want me to photograph? Videotape?
Who else will attend the birth?
Where will other children be?
What positions do you want to utilities in labor?
What position do you want to give birth in?
What interventions are you comfortable with? (forceps, suction, etc?)
Postpartum - What specific tasks would you like me to preform?

Yes - this is an exhaustive list and not all questions will be asked. But know that this is also something for you to consider as you interview and start to plan your birth.