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QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER WHEN HIRING A DOULA
1. Tell me/us about your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor.
2. May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me/us through childbirth?
3. May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
4. Do you meet with me/us after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?
5. Why did you become a doula? What do you love most about being a doula?
6. Where did you receive your doula training and are you certified?
7. What skills, qualities and abilities do you feel you have to offer us?
8. What are your philosophies and beliefs about childbirth?
9. How do Midwives and Obstetricians usually react to your presence? Have you ever experienced any tension with family members or medical professionals? If so how did you handle this?
10. Do you have children? Do you have childcare arrangements if I go into labor at anytime of day or night?
11. What were your own birth experience(s)?
12. What are your beliefs about pain relief? How will you react if I decide to have an epidural?
13. What do you see as my partner’s role during labor?
14. Will you support my partner too? If so, how?
15. What are your thoughts about my Midwife or Obstetrician? Have you worked with them before?
16. Will you attend a pre-natal appointment with us to meet our Midwife or Obstetrician?
17. Can you help us write our Birth Preferences (aka birth plan)?
18. How many births per month do you attend? Do you have any other births due around the same time as us? If so, when are they due?
19. How far away are you from the place of birth?
20. What will happen when I am in early labor? When should I inform you that things are happening?
21. Will you come to my home when I go into labor (if not homebirth) or will you meet me at the hospital?
22. Are we able to contact you anytime with questions by phone or email? Will you be unreachable at any time? How do I contact you and when can I contact you when I am in labor, day and night?
23. Have you worked in our chosen hospital or birth center before? What are your thoughts about it?
24. How long do you stay for after the birth?
25. What are your experiences with breastfeeding and what are your philosophies?
26. Are there any books or workshops that you recommend to pregnant couples?
27. Do you have any references? Can I call one or two of them?
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Do you feel relaxed in her presence?
Does your partner feel relaxed in her presence?
Does she listen to you and your partner?
Does she have soft, understanding eyes?
Does she have a warm, nurturing personality?
Do you think you would feel comfortable with her touch when you reach out for support or reassurance?
Do you feel that you could spend up to 24-48 hours straight with this woman while you are in labor?
Do you feel that she will offer nonjudgmental support of all your decisions during labor
