How to Interview a Doula

by Toni Spurgeon Mother’s Keeper Doula Services

If you have chosen to have a doula present at your birth then you probably already know the many benefits extra labor support can provide.  Even so, you may be uncertain how to locate the doula that is right for you.  There are several items to consider when choosing a doula.  First, what sort of training and/or experience does she have with labor support?  How many births has she attended?  What were the outcomes?  It is not unreasonable to request references.  Is she certified?  If so, with whom.  Doulas are most commonly certified with the Doulas of North America (DONA), Birthworks, or the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA).

Because some doulas restrict their practices, you will want to clarify up front if the prospective doula will even accept you as a client.  Some examples of restrictions include: only attending a limited number of births per month, only attending home births or at specific hospitals, only working with certain physicians or midwives, or limited driving distances to a birth.  If the doula is affiliated with a hospital or birth center, you will want to inquire if that affiliation in any way limits her ability to support you and your choices.

The doula's availability is another area to consider.  When and how can you reach her?  Is she willing to answer questions 24 hours a day or is she only available for labor support?  Does she have a primary and/or secondary backup doula?  Under what circumstances would a backup step in?  And can you meet her prior to labor?

Because having a child is inherently expensive, cost may also be a determining factor in your doula search.  Doulas in the U.S. may reasonable charge anywhere from $0 to $1,000, depending on the geographic location, years of experience, and additional service (the cost of a doula in the Tulsa area ranges from $300 to $500).  If this price seems steep, keep in mind that a doula will provide on average, 16 hours of labor support.  Add to this another 10 hours or prenatal and postpartum meeting as well as another hour or two in phone calls.  Even so, if the fee is simple beyond your reach, it is working asking if the doula has a sliding fee scale or if she is willing to barter for services.  Additionally, you may want to inquire about insurance reimbursement.

Perhaps the most important questions you will ask a prospective doula involves personal philosophies.  For example, do you have any special religious or cultural beliefs?  Is your doula willing to accommodate these?  Questions such as: "Why did you become a doula?", "What is your favorite part of labor support?", "What is your least favorite part?".  These questions will also help reveal whether or not this is a good match.

For more information about doulas and the benefits of labor support visit www.DONA.org or read The Doula Book: How a Trained Labor Companion Can Help You Have a Shorter, Easier, and Healthier Birth by Klaus, Kennell, & Klaus.