When considering hiring a labor doula, it’s common to interview one or more doulas.
You might come up with a long list of questions or have only a few to ask. Or maybe, you don’t know what to ask. Here are the five questions prospective clients ask and information to consider while interviewing doulas.
Question #1: Certification
The first question is usually about certification. We are often asked, “Are you certified?” Here at Tucson Doulas, the answer is always going to be YES!
Earning, holding, and maintaining certification is the foundation of who we are. Our doulas are trained and certified by the same training organization with the same standardized curriculum. This helps to ensure that our doulas have the foundational knowledge. They are fully prepared to support you emotionally, physically, and educationally without judgment, bias, or agendas.
Question #2: Experience
People also love to ask, “How long have you been a doula?” or “How many births have you attended?”
We recognize experience is a common question for people working in service-based professions. However, we have a slightly different perspective. Birth is such an individual and varied experience. A recently certified doula may experience things that an experienced doula has never seen before. As doula trainers, we see the passion and fire that newer doulas have for helping clients have the best experience possible.
On the flip side, we sometimes see more “experienced doulas” become uninterested in continuous education or staying current on the latest research surrounding pregnancy and birth. Having many years of experience or attending many births does not answer the most important question: “How does the doula make you feel?”
Does the doula in front of you make you feel seen, heard, and understood? Do you feel like you can be your most vulnerable with them? Do you trust this doula not to pass judgment on the decisions you may have to make in labor? If you don’t feel comfortable in their presence, they may not be the right doula for you.
Question #3: Partner Support
Another common question from partners is, “Are you going to replace me as the main support person?” The answer is a resounding no! Partner support is so important to our agency. Our intention is for partners to be as involved as they and as the laboring person wants them to be. We are there to help normalize the experience and be an additional set of hands. We also recognize that partners have their own experiences, and we often see their self-sacrifice while supporting the birthing person. So, in addition to everything else we can do, reminding partners to eat, drink, and rest is also a big part of our role.
Question #4: On-Call Support
An essential question for any doula is, “When will you go on-call for me?” Our answer is simple. We go on call for you the minute you sign your contract. Whether you hire us as soon as you find out you’re pregnant, the day before your estimated due date, or somewhere in between, our 24-7 on-call support starts we are available to you.
This allows us to help you navigate your pregnancy and into your labor. Maybe you just got out of a prenatal appointment or are searching for a question online and need some support. We are just a phone call, text, or FaceTime away. You get to decide how much or how little support you truly need.
Question #5: Backup Doula
Finally, “What happens if you can’t attend my birth?” Tucson Doulas is unique in that we work in teams of two. Your team has a built-in backup. All prenatal appointments and on-call support are facilitated by your doula team so that you get to know both doulas equally. No matter who attends your birth, you know and trust the doula that will be there.
Your team works as each other’s backup, and we have additional layers of support to call upon if needed.
Even though these are the questions we frequently get asked, we encourage you to come up with your own that are important to you.
When considering hiring a doula, one of the most important factors is how the doulas make you feel. Do you feel a connection? Do you feel they are compassionate, empathic, knowledgeable, and confident? If you feel those things in the interview, those feelings will follow into the birth experience.
To learn more about what questions to ask potential doulas check out our YouTube video below.
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