Choosing a labor support team:
Many studies show that birth goes much smoother when the birth giver feels physically and emotionally supported. Nurses at the hospital are a great source of comfort, but you aren’t always their only patient. Likewise, midwives and OB-GYNs tend to pop in and out until it is time to start pushing. Having a hired labor support person can provide continuous care, allow your partner to focus on you rather than being a “super labor coach,” reduce stress, and make birth easier and more satisfying. Finding the right doula for your labor or postpartum care is important. Let us help you!

After reading through our bios here we suggest that you contact a few doulas to interview in person or over zoom.

Below we have listed some helpful questions that you may want to ask.

Questions to ask a doula

• What training have you had? (If a doula is certified, you might consider checking with the organization.)

• Do you have one or more back-up doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet her/them?

• What is your fee, what does it include and what are your refund policies?

When interviewing a birth doula

• Tell me about your experience as a birth doula.

• What is your philosophy about birth and supporting women/birth givers and their partners through labor?

• May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me through birth?

• May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?

• When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?

• Do you meet with us after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?

When interviewing a postpartum doula

• Tell me about your experience as a postpartum doula.

• What is your philosophy about parenting and supporting women and their families during postpartum?

• May we meet to discuss our postpartum needs and the role you will play in supporting us in the postpartum period?

• May we call you with postpartum questions or concerns before and after the birth?

• When do your services begin after birth?

• What is your experience in breastfeeding support?