Doula Interviews - Three questions to ask a doula that go beyond availability and rate.
Doula shopping, while ultimately well worth the time and energy, can also be overwhelming and confusing. Once you cover the big obvious questions, it can be hard to know what to ask next. One of my dear doula friends says that intake calls often come down to ‘who the client wants to have a sleepover with.’ I love that take - and also love these questions to help your doula interviews go deeper.
1. How many clients do you take per month? Followup: Who covers you if you’re at another birth?
Knowing your doula’s approach to how many people they’re trying to work with can be very telling. Are they cramming in as many clients as possible, or are they being intentional about how much time and attention each client will take. Where do you want to fall on that spectrum? Also, knowing your doula’s protocol on backup doulas in the event they can't be there. Are they going to stick you with the first person in their contacts or do they have structure in place for well-vetted replacements?
2. How do you advocate for your clients? Followup: Can you describe a scenario where you were met with resistance?
Does your doula have a policy in place and know how to handle themselves when they have to put their foot down on your behalf? Asking for an example of when they’ve had to do this can be a great way to see where they fall on the spectrum of politely being assertive, or letting medical staff and the like get away with not listening to you. You want someone who will fight for you and with you in the rink.. Heaven forbid it should ever come to that.
3. Are you staying up to date on the ever evolving birth industry? Followup: What are some recent trainings you’ve taken?
New information about birth is constant and constantly changing. Is your doula staying current on the latest about lactation, pelvic floor health, postpartum care, new parent mental health, etc. If so, how? Knowing that your doula is prioritizing their own education on these matters will not only set your mind at ease but it will help you figure out which doulas are taking this seriously. Not necessarily that the most credentialed doula is going to be the best fit for you, but there should at least be a curiosity.
This is a big, exciting, and important time for you! At Orion Doula Care, helping you through the more nuanced parts of birth and postpartum life is what I live for!
Need more help coming up with a list of questions? Send me an email I would love to hear from you!
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