if you Google "questions to ask your doula" you will find many many articles listing all the various questions to ask in an interview. I figured I would just answer them here for you :)
About Their Experience and Training
What inspired you to become a doula?
My first birth did NOT go as planned. It started at home and ended with a c-section. I got home from the hospital and started researching birth to see if I could figure out what went wrong. I realized that birth is AWESOME and that having a doula there would have really benefitted me. That started my love for birth and doula work. I now have 3 kids and each experience has only spurred me on!
How long have you been practicing as a doula?
I started my training when I was pregant with my son who is now 6. So SEVEN years.
What kind of training or certifications do you have?
I am certified through Stillbirthday.I am birth Doula and a Bervreament Doula. This means I serve families experiencing birth, during bereavement, facing an event where birth and bereavement may meet. I am I have a certificate in Bundle Birth's Birth Worker Training and also trained in Spinning Babies to help recognize where the baby is and how to help labor move along. I am trained in NRP (Neonatal Resuscitation) and have assisted midwives in homebirths. While a doula DOES NOT do any clinical tasks I am prepared in the event precipitous labor occurs.
How many births have you attended?
I just hit 106 on 12/31/2024!
Availability and Support
What does your availability look like around my due date?
So obvisouly this is going to vary. But I will 9/10 respond to your inital email or DM letting you know if I am available or not. Since I am a wife, mom, homeschooler, and involved in ministry I try to take 1-3 births a month. 2025 I am going to try to keep it to 2!
Do you have a backup doula in case you’re unavailable?
I am a PROUD co-founder of Christian Doulas of Michigan and pull from that network of over 30 doulas as back up
How do you support clients during early labor versus active labor?
We talk AT LENGTH in our prenatal visits about early labor. What does it look like? what am i looking for? what should you do? 5-1-1 vs 3-1-1 etc. I want you to ignore them as long as you can, rest, hydrate, and we will check in often to see how things are going. When you are ready for support I join you in active labor :)
Do you provide postpartum support, and if so, what does that include?
I dont provide in-person postpartum support but i am ALWAYS here for you! once your doula I want to be always your doula. that does not end the second baby comes out!
Services and Philosophy
What is your approach to supporting different types of births (hospital, home, unmedicated, cesarean, etc.)?
I am a birth Chameleon. I want you to get the birth YOU want and the more we explore that. the better I can help you!
How do you handle unexpected changes to a birth plan?
I try to see the writing on the wall if something that was not in your birth plan is coming and prep you for it. I use my personal and professional experience to help you gather all of the information you might need to make a choice. If there is a deviation from your birth plan I want you to feel like you had a voice in the choice and nothing is just happening to you!
What comfort measures do you use during labor (e.g., massage, breathing techniques, positioning)?
massage is a big one, position changes (motion is lotion), breathing and guided distraction
Are you comfortable working with my partner or other support people during labor?
yes! I am just part of the team!
Communication and Relationship
How often will we meet before my due date, and what will those meetings cover?
I like to have 2 meetings. Our first meeting we get to know each other. Go over birth preferences and ask about your knowledge of birth and any fears you may have. This meeting is usually 90 mins to 2 hours. The second meeting is 45-60 mins. We talk about your birth plan, early labor and postpartum preparedness.
Are you available to answer questions or provide support via phone or text before labor begins?
yes! once you are signed on I am available for you. I TRY to stick to 9-5 M-F for questions but I tend to be available a lot. if you're in labor - my ringer is always on!
How do you help create a calm and supportive environment during birth?
I help guide breathing, ease and address anxieties, offer massage and position changes. I CAN help dad if he needs direction or a break, I remind you that you are strong and doing amazing! read my testimonials if you would like to hear from past clients!
Did I miss anything? What else would you ask a doula!?
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