- Why did you become a doula?
|
- Describe your philosophy/orientation about labor and the birth process.
|
- What is your training and certification? (If doula is certified, confirm with certifying organization.)
|
- How many births have you attended? How many births do you attend per month?
|
- What are your thoughts about childbirth preparation (eg, Lamaze, Bradley)?
|
- Will you visit our home during my pregnancy?
|
- Will you attend one of my prenatal appointments?
|
- Can I call you with questions before labor begins?
|
- Are you familiar with my doctor/midwife?
|
- Have you worked at my hospital? Are you familiar with the facilities, policies, and nursing staff there? Do you foresee any difficulties?
|
- Will you come to our home when labor begins?
|
- When do you want to be called?
|
- What is your role during labor and birth?
|
- What services do you provide? Are there any tasks that are specifically included or excluded?
|
- How do you view the father's role?
|
- What items do you carry in your "birth bag"?
|
- What non-drug measures do you suggest for pain relief?
|
- Do you have preferences for labor and/or birth positions?
|
- How long do you stay after birth?
|
- Do you offer postbirth care for the mother and/or baby?
|
- Are you available for my due date?
|
- What if you don't make it to the birth or most of the labor?
|
- Do you have a back-up doula?
|
- How much do you charge for your services? What is your refund policy?
|
- What services are included in your fee?
|
- Does our insurance plan cover your fee?
|
- When would you like payment to be made?
|
- Do you have a written contract that we can sign?
|
| It is also desirable to discuss your birth preferences with the doula and discuss the doula's role in this plan, find out whether the doula is comfortable with your birth preferences and philosophy about labor and birth, and decide whether you are comfortable with this person. You may want to interview more than one doula. |
