Interview Questions for Doulas
How to Find the Perfect Doula & Why They’re an Incredible Asset to Your Birth Team
Choosing a doula is one of the most personal and impactful decisions you can make for your pregnancy and birth journey. Whether you’re preparing for your first baby or expanding your family, a doula offers unwavering support, comfort, and guidance during one of life’s most transformative experiences.
But how do you find the right doula? What questions should you ask? And why are doulas so invaluable? Let’s dive in.
How to Interview a Doula
A great doula should not only be experienced and knowledgeable but also someone who makes you feel heard, safe, and supported. Here are some key questions to ask when meeting potential doulas (and some answers from Bri and Randi):
1. Experience & Background
What inspired you to become a doula?
How long have you been in birth work, and how many births have you attended? (Randi has attended 40 births in 7 years. Bri has attended 30+ births in 4 years. We have supported all types of birth.)
What types of birth experiences have you supported (hospital, home birth, cesarean, VBAC, etc.)?
Do you have additional training, such as lactation support or childbirth education? (We both have Spinning Babies training & are certified birth photographers with Birth Becomes You. Bri is working through the Still Birthday Doula course. Randi is working through the Birth Becomes You videography course and is CPR certified too!)
2. Support Style & Philosophy
How would you describe your approach to supporting laboring people and their partners? (We want to empower birthing families to work well together - guide for coping needs, affirm what is going well, amplify your birth wishes, document your birth story & so much more.)
How do you adapt to different birth preferences and medical settings? (We love birth. And will always support your birthing wishes. Knowing and understanding your birth desires is important to us so that we can support you with recommendations and information to achieve that goal.)
What comfort measures do you provide during labor?
How do you support unexpected changes, such as medical interventions or emergency cesareans? (We encourage conversation and questions with the care team and, when time allows, ensure you have the opportunity to think through your options.)
How do you support postpartum recovery and mental health?
3. Personal Connection
What do you love most about being a doula? (Bri loves being with families during the transformative journey of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Randi loves building connections and relationships with our clients that often last far beyond birth and telling their stories.)
How do you work with partners to create a positive birth experience? (Our goal is to equip and empower the partner, not replace them. The laboring person would likely prefer closeness and support from their partner over anyone else. We can never know the laboring person better than their partner does.)
How do you work with medical teams to create a positive birth experience?
(We have worked with numerous providers in the area and desire to partner with them to ensure you have a beautifully powerful birth. But at the end of the day, we work for YOU, so our relationship with you is way more important to us.)
Can you share client testimonials or references?
4. Practical Considerations
What is your availability around my due date? Do you have a backup doula?
When do you typically join a laboring person, and how do you provide early labor support? (When you are in active labor or whenever you need us.)
What’s included in your doula package, and what are your fees?
Do you accept insurance or Medicaid? Do you have payment plans?
Taking the time to ask these questions helps ensure that your doula is the right fit for you, your birth plan, and your emotional needs.
Why Doulas Are So Incredible
Doulas provide more than just birth support—they are an anchor of reassurance, wisdom, and encouragement. Here’s why having a doula by your side makes all the difference:
They Empower You – A doula helps you make informed choices about your care, giving you confidence in your decisions.
They Bring Comfort & Calm – Whether it’s breathing techniques, massage, or words of reassurance, a doula helps ease discomfort and create a peaceful environment.
They Reduce Medical Interventions – Research shows that having a doula can decrease the likelihood of a cesarean birth, reduce epidural use, and lead to overall more positive birth outcomes.
They Support Your Partner Too – Partners often feel a mix of excitement and pressure to be the main source of support. A doula guides them, offering reassurance and allowing them to be present without feeling overwhelmed.
They Continue Support Postpartum – Birth is just the beginning. Many doulas offer postpartum care, helping with breastfeeding, emotional recovery, and adjusting to life with a newborn.
Finding the Right Doula for You
At the heart of a great doula-client relationship is trust, connection, and a shared understanding of your birth vision. Take the time to meet with different doulas, ask thoughtful questions, and listen to your instincts. The right doula will feel like a calming presence—someone who makes you feel strong, supported, and capable as you bring your baby into the world.
Interested in meeting with Randi and Bri? Fill out our contact form below! :)
