Hiring a doula is a very important, and very personal, choice. It is something that most couples tend to put a lot of thought into and it isn’t uncommon for women to contact and interview multiple doulas in order to find the one they like best. After all, you’re looking to find someone to help guide you through one of life’s most intimate and spscial moments. Oh, and you’ll likely find yourself crying, peeing, moaning and being naked in front of her, so you’ll want to choose carefully.
Choosing a doula can be done in a variety of different ways. You might speak to someone over the phone and know right away that she is the right doula for you, or you might e-mail a few times, arrange to meet, and spend time thinking about the decision for a while before making your choice.
However you go about it, there are usually some things you want to know. But, what questions should you ask a doula? What is it that you should really know before choosing someone to attend your birth? As a doula, I can tell you a few things. First of all, doulas spend a lot of time interviewing with potential clients. I’m not sure if there is any other job that requires so many interviews! I prefer to think of it as a consultation, or a casual meeting, where we can discuss your questions, find out what you’re looking for and explore the ideas you might have around having a doula at your birth. Secondly, I have seen so many couples bring in printed lists of questions that they have found online like “Questions to Ask a Doula” and most of the questions aren’t relevant, or don’t provide much insight into my services or how I can support them.
So, as a helpful guide to you, I’ve created a list of the questions that I would ask if I were looking for a doula. Obviously you need to know if the doula is available for your due date and if her fee is in your price range. Once that’s figured out here are some starting points for a great meeting with a doula:
1) What kind of training have you received? How many births have you attended?
2) Can you describe one of your favorite experiences working as a doula?
3) What has your experience as a doula taught you about supporting families during a birth?
4) At what point in labour will you join me?
5) Do you have any specific birthing techniques or tips for coping with pain that you will teach me?
6) Are there any types of decisions or scenarios that you don’t feel comfortable supporting?
7) Do you work with a back-up doula?
8) Do you have experience working at the hospital I plan to deliver at?
9) If I plan to have (insert your desired birth experience here), will you support me in this?
10) Do you have any additional trainings or experience that will enable you to better support me?
11) What qualities do you consider important to have as a doula?
12) Can you describe what your services include and explain how I can benefit from them?
After spending a good amount of time (my consults are usually about 45 minutes) you should have an idea of how you might feel having this doula at your birth. You should be able to tell a professional doula from one who isn’t. Since doulas should be worth the investment you want to make sure that you hire someone reliable and experienced. References and testimonials can be really telling.
Ask yourself the following: Does she make you feel comfortable and relaxed, almost like a friend? Do you feel that she could help you be your most confident and empowered self? Is she knowledgeable and informed enough to guide you through the entire process? Do you feel like having her at your birth would make you and your partner feel cared for and safe?
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Are you looking for a Montreal doula? Schedule a complimentary consultation with me and find out more about my services! I would love to meet with you to find out more about your upcoming birth.
