Doula Interview Questions

Choosing the right doula is a very personal decision, and an interview is the best way to make sure you find the best fit for your needs and values. The list of questions provided is meant to serve as a guide—you can use as many or as few as feel right for you. Think of them as conversation starters rather than a checklist you must get through. During the interview, aim for a relaxed, open dialogue where you not only ask questions but also pay attention to how comfortable, supported, and understood you feel in the doula’s presence. Trust your instincts, and remember: you’re not just gathering information, you’re exploring whether this person is someone you can imagine walking alongside you during one of life’s most important transitions.

Background & Experience

1. How long have you been working as a doula?
   

2. How many births have you attended?
   
   

3. What type of training or certifications do you have?
   
   

4. Are you affiliated with any professional doula organizations (e.g., DONA, CAPPA)?
   
   

5. Do you have experience with the type of birth I’m planning (e.g., hospital, home birth, birth center)?
   

Philosophy & Approach

1. How would you describe your birth philosophy?
   
   

2. How do you support clients who have different birth preferences than your own?
   
   

3. How do you help clients make informed decisions during labor?
   

Services Provided

1. What services do you offer during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum?
   
   

2. Do you provide prenatal visits? If so, how many?
   
   

3. Will you be on call for my birth, and from when?
   
   

4. What happens if you are unavailable when I go into labor?
   
   

5. Do you offer postpartum support? If so, what does it include?
   

Labor & Birth Support

1. What kind of comfort measures do you typically use during labor (e.g., massage, breathing techniques, positioning)?
   
   

2. How do you support the birth partner?
   
   

3. Do you have experience with medicated and unmedicated births?
   
   

4. Are you comfortable attending a birth with medical interventions like epidurals or inductions?
   

Logistics & Availability

1. How do I reach you if I go into labor?
   
   

2. How long will you stay with me during labor and after the birth?
   
   

3. Do you have a backup doula? Can I meet them in advance?
   

Fees & Contracts

1. What is your fee, and what does it include? Do you accept insurance?
   
   

2. Do you offer payment plans or sliding scale options?
   
   

3. What is your refund or cancellation policy?
   

Postpartum Support (if applicable)

1. What does a typical postpartum visit look like?
   
   

2. Do you offer support with breastfeeding or newborn care?
   
   

3. Can you help with emotional recovery or referrals to other resources if needed?
   

Personal Fit

1. Why did you become a doula?
   
   

2. What do you enjoy most about being a doula?
   
   

3. What do your past clients say about you?
   
   

4. Can you provide references or testimonials?

After your interview, take some time to reflect on how you felt during the conversation. Did you feel heard, respected, and at ease? The answers to your questions matter, but so does the connection you have with the doula. Choosing someone to walk with you through pregnancy, birth, or postpartum is about trust, comfort, and shared values. Compare your notes, listen to your instincts, and remember that the right doula is the one who helps you feel confident, supported, and empowered in your journey.