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10 Important Questions To Ask Candidates In A Doula Interview

 

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Hiring a doula can be one of the most personal, challenging, and helpful decisions that a new mother makes. When you are seeking that ideal candidate who can effectively and appropriately support your needs, here are a few things to be sure to ask in the interview.

 

1. How do your previous clients describe their experiences in working with you?

In addition to obtaining and checking references, asking the candidate how they believe their previous clients would describe working with them is key to understanding the deeper dynamics of working with someone in such an intimate situation.

2. What certifications do you hold? How and where were you trained? Are you a member of any doula associations?

Doulas can be accredited in a variety of ways depending on the specific services that they provide. Ensure that your doula candidate is properly accredited, trained in the most recent industry standards, and legally able to work in the U.S.

3. What would you describe as your strengths as a doula?

Every candidate will have aspects of the process that they excel at or are particularly passionate about, ask each candidate what they LOVE about the work they do.

4. What specific types of support and/or techniques do you use to help me move through labor?

Many people choose to meet with their doula twice before and twice after the birth. How will we communicate before the birth? Are you available to answer questions? Some doulas will conduct a labor simulation exercise, and many will lend resources and videos to help the family mentally prepare for the big day. Some doulas may provide massage, photography, aromatherapy or other unique offers such as writing out your birth story, capsulizing cord blood, etc. for no extra charge. Post-pregnancy, many doulas can help you settle into breastfeeding and baby care.

5. How long have you been a doula? How many births have you attended/families have you cared for?

What types of births have you attended? What unique or difficult situations have you dealt with? Ask for recent references and be sure to check them thoroughly.

6. How do I get in touch when labor begins? Are you always on call? When and where will you join me?

Some doulas will stay with you from labor’s first at-home pangs, while others prefer to wait until you’ve arrived at the hospital or birth center. Each individual doula will approach the arrival question differently, and your comfort with labor might differ, depending upon whether this is your first or second child.

7. Do you have any clients with due dates similar to mine? How many births do you schedule per month?

Some doulas manage many clients at a time making it difficult to ensure that they will be physically present at the time of your birth. Inquire about their current schedule and if refunds are offered in the event that they do not make the birth. If the doula is unavailable when the mother goes into labor – do they have backups and can you meet them?

8. Which hospitals and birth centers have you worked in?

You might also ask whether they have worked with your midwife or physician before. If you’re going to a hospital, you’ll often get the on-call doctor, so a doula who knows their way through the hospital’s halls is always a plus.

9. What are your philosophies on childbirth? How do you feel about epidurals?

Make sure your birth plan is compatible with their general opinions and practices. If you are still formulating your birth plan, ask for their suggestions, and see if they suit you.

10. How will you involve and interact with my partner during birth?

Your partner and additional support team before, during, and after birth are an essential key to managing the process of birth in the way that you wish to. Ask the doula candidates how they typically involve the partner and support team to be sure that your preferences align with theirs.

 

Photo By: https://www.thechicestchick.tumblr.com

 

 

To begin your search for the most loving, capable, reliable + intuitive doula, contact us today!

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