The most important part of hiring a doula is finding someone you and your partner feel really comfortable with! Remember, this person will see you at an incredibly vulnerable time and you want them to be a source of support and calm, not distraction.

It is helpful when their birthing philosophy meshes with yours -- i.e. if you’re open to pain medication, you may want a doula who will help you know when the time is right to request it and not try to dissuade you from using it.

When you find someone you like, ask for client references (and follow-up with them). Speaking to a few families about their birthing experiences can help you understand whether this is the right doula for you.

1. ARE YOU AVAILABLE FOR MY DUE DATE?

This seems like a no-brainer, but it's often overlooked. Actually, this question should be asked before you even schedule an interview- there's no sense wasting everyone's time (and risk falling in love) with a doula that isn't available. Doulas in Fort Worth book quickly but it’s never too late to hire a doula!

2. TELL ME WHY YOU BECAME A DOULA.

This is a great open-ended question that has the possibility to spark some dialogue. It will also let your doula share some of their personal experience and thoughts on birth.

3. TELL ME ABOUT YOUR TRAINING. WHO DID YOU TRAIN THROUGH? ARE YOU CERTIFIED? Does your training included trauma informed care?

Training is VERY important.  Certification is less important although I personally feel it conveys a commitment to professionalism on the part of the doula. In addition, knowing that your doula is being held accountable by their certifying agency and works within a clearly defined scope of practice is very helpful and can lend peace of mind.

4. HOW MANY BIRTHS HAVE YOU ATTENDED?

Here is the experience question- BUT experience isn't the end-all, be-all.  A doula that has attended 100 births, but only showed up for active labor or made themselves an adversarial part of the birth team ISN'T better than a doula that has attended 5 births but did so watching, learning, and growing. Experience offers us, as doulas, the opportunity to take from each birth what we will- we gain knowledge, tips and tricks only if we actively seek them out.

5. Tell me how you would support me through an unmedicated birth and what support would look like for a medicated experience?

6. What support can I expect for a planned or unplanned surgical birth?

7. TALK TO ME ABOUT THE CARE PROVIDERS YOU WORK WITH THE MOST. DO YOU HAVE EXPERIENCE WITH MY chosen provider and location? 

Experience with your care provider isn't necessarily a make-or-break point BUT a good relationship between a care provider and doula is certainly helpful.  And, allowing the doula to explain why they do/do not have a relationship with your provider may give you some feedback and insight to your choice in OB or midwife.

8. What support will you provide to my partner?

9. DO YOU OFFER ANY ADDITIONAL SERVICES? What tools and resources would I have access to for labor preparation and postpartum planning?

Let's face it, one-stop shopping is incredibly convenient. If you're wanting, or even think you might want childbirth education, placenta encapsulation, breastfeeding support, or postpartum doula services, why not hire a doula that can help you out with any and all of those?! 

There’s so much more to this transition than just the birth! You want to find a doula that is just as committed to helping you plan for your postpartum recovery as they are your birth!

10. DO YOU HAVE ANY FORMAL BREASTFEEDING EDUCATION?

If you plan to breastfeed your new baby, this is definitely a question you should ask your birth doula! Most doulas stay a couple of hours past the delivery to assist with the initiation of bodyfeeding. They will also be back to see you postpartum - this is a CRUCIAL time and your doula must be educated appropriately. Look for some sort of professional training; the more the better!

11. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE "TOOL"? WHY?

Here's the thing: most doulas have some sort of bag that they carry to the births they attend. Many of them are packed FULL of gadgets like back massagers, mini rolling pins, head scratchers, eye masks... you get the idea. I, too, started out with a bag crammed full of tools to "help" me do my job, however I've come to learn that most of that isn't necessary. That's not to say I don't carry some of my favorite essential oils, a rice sock and a shawl for belly sifting, but my bag is nowhere near as heavy as it was a decade ago. My favorite tools now? My head, my hands and my heart.

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