Step1
Set up a meeting in a comfortable place for the both of you. Usually, your home or a local place like a coffee shop or restaurant will work. If your partner will be involved in your birth experience and is available, have him meet the doula with you. Hiring a doula should be a sound decision for both of you.
Step2
Ask the doula about her philosophy of birth. Perhaps she believes that c-sections are necessary after a certain amount of labor time. Or maybe she believes that it’s OK for labor to go on as long as necessary, as long as mom and baby are doing well. Either way, you are hiring her to support you, and her philosophy about birth is one that you should be comfortable with.
Step3
Make sure she conducts more than one prenatal meeting with you. Every doula runs her business differently, but she should conduct at least two prenatal visits with you. The two of you should be building a working relationship together, and that requires more than one visit. The more time you spend with your doula, via in person or on the phone, the more comfortable you will be with each other.
Step4
Find out if she has her own contract. Many women feel that having a contract is a mute point when hiring a doula. But, since you will be exchanging money with her, a contract protects your investment. Make sure you read her refund policy.
Step5
Ask about her experience with birth. While it may not matter to you how many births she has done, it is still good to ask. This will give you an idea of where her skill level may be.
Step6
Find out if she works with a backup doula. Sometimes emergencies happen and your doula may be unavailable at the time you go into labor. In this type of situation, she would call in her backup doula to attend to you and you would still have the services of a doula. If she doesn’t have a backup doula, you may have to rely on your partner for sole support.
Step7
Ask her how long she stays with you after the baby is born. You should look for a doula that stays with you at least one hour after the birth. You will have many questions that come up during the immediate postpartum period that your doula can assist you with. She should also be able to help you initiate nursing.
Step8
Ask about any additional services that she offers. Some doulas are trained in other areas such as massage therapy, aromatherapy and acupuncture. Any of these services would be a great benefit to you.
Step9
Ask about her fees. Are they in your price range? Can you work out a payment plan with her? Does she barter her services? Many doulas provide lots of options when it comes to payment. Don’t be afraid to ask.
Step10
Ask her for a list of referrals, if needed. Sometimes, all you need to help make your decision is to talk to other women that she has helped. Find out what her strong points and weak points are. Ask about her tone and approach to labor.
Step11
Be honest with your doula about your wants and wishes for your birth experience. The only way she can help you is if she knows what you want. If at the end of the meeting, you really don’t feel like she’s the one for you, then don’t hire her. You must feel that the doula you hire is the one you have a good connection with. After all, she will be with you in the most intimate moment of your life.
