Selecting a Doula
If you are thinking about hiring a doula to help support you, your partner or family during your upcoming birth these are some questions that you may want to ask each prospective doula. Consider the fact that you will want to establish a relationship built on trust, communication and similar philosophies surrounding birth. Personalities that are compatible go a long way to making this the wonderful event you invision it to be. Because your Doula will become an intimate part of your pregnancy and birth and you need to be confident in her skills and approach to birth. Remember these questions have been chosen to help you determine who you may want to share this amazing process with and adding your own questions or thoughts are the best way to create a comprehensive interwiew session.

-What type of training and experience does she have?
-How long has she been working as a doula?
-If she has any other complimentary training, education or experience that may enhance your experience of pregnancy, birth or postpartum?
  --ie: Childbirth educator, breastfeeding, infant care
-What area does she serve geographicaly?
-Has she ever supported a mom at the hospital you will be delivering at or with your care team?
  -- if so what was her experience there
-What all do her services include? ie:prenatal visits, labour and delivery support, postpartum?
-Does she have backup in the event of her absence or unavailability?
-Is she a member of an organization?
-Does she work actively in the birthing community?
-If you have medical concerns is she familiar with them or willing to familiarize herself with your condition to better serve you at your birth?
-What is her philosophy on birth and how closely does this match yours?
-How does she invision her role at your birth?
  -- ie: primary support, massuse, part of a complete team
-Her beliefs on intervention and medication and willingness to support your ideals and not her own
-Can she dedicate herself to serve you and your family in the way that you need to be supported?
-Does she bring a labour bag to your birth?
  --if so can she give you the opportunity to look through it at an interview session?
-What techniques or skills does she rely on to assist you through the natural pains and strains of labour?
-Is there an opportunity to read refrences or evaluations from past clients?
-Is she both professional and established as a doula?
-Is there written information she will provide to you on her services and a contract that you both enter into?
-What are her fees and what is the payment schedule?
  --Keep in mind when you hire a doula you are paying for a combination of both her professional training and compounded experience. Often a more experienced Doula will have skills that are more refined, more education and more confidence with various labour and delivery scenerios.
back to my doula information page
back to my home page
Pauline Clare
"Your Doula Services"
CBE, Breastfeeding Counsellor,
Doula and ECE
604-931-1233
pdoherty@shaw.ca