Once you decide to hire a professional birth doula, you should interview prospective support persons carefully. Besides professional considerations, you will want to find out if the doula has values compatible with your own and personal qualities you desire. When choosing a labour assistant, answers to the following questions will help you find the right support person.

The Doula’s Beliefs

The truly important questions reveal a doula’s philosophy. It is most essential for your own satisfaction that you find a doula who completely supports your goals and attitudes. The way she answers the following questions may give you a good idea of whether you and she will be compatible.

	What do you think is the most important part of your job?
	What are the main skills or abilities you bring to the birth?
	What do you think the father’s role should be during labour?
	How do the doctor and the nurses usually react to your presence?
	How do you handle a conflict with the medical team?
	How do you feel about my doctor and my hospital?
	Are clinical skills a part of your role?

Practical Questions

Another group of questions involve practical details. Once you have found a couple of doulas who fit with your opinions, practical details will help you narrow down the choice even further. Or you may wish to ask these questions early in a phone interview, so you don’t waste your time listening to the philosophy of doulas who will be out of town around you due date.

	Are you available around my due date (from 37-43 weeks)?
	Are there any limitations to your availability?
	How long does it take you to get to me?
	Will you come to my home if I am in pain but not ready to go to the hospital yet?
	How many clients do you take in a month?
	What is your back-up situation?
	What is your fee, and what does it include?
	What are your standard payment arrangements?

Protect Yourself

Finally, you should ask some questions about credentials. It is unfortunate, but true, that there will always be people who try to take advantage of others. At this time in your life you are especially vulnerable, and need to ask some hard questions and be prepared to do a little homework to protect yourself.

	Where did you get your training, and how many hours did it involve?
	Are you certified? By whom? May I contact that organization to confirm your certification?
	How long have you been practicing?
	How many births have you attended as a doula?
	Do you have any additional training or licensing that you use in your practice?
	Are there two of your clients whom I may call?

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