Interviewing a doula
DONA International recommends asking the following questions to help you decide if a particular doula is right for you. I've included my answers, but I'd love to discuss them with you in more detail!
What training have you had?
My initial training and continuing education are listed on the "Training/Continuing Education" page.
Do you have one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet them?
I have a doula partner that I work with regularly. If you'd like, we can do the initial meet and greet together, or I can arrange a meeting during one of the prenatal visits. My partner will be available in case of a long labor, if I am attending another birth, or in case of unforeseen circumstances beyond my control. If I plan to be out of town near your due date, I will disclose that before you sign the contract.
What is your fee, what does it include and what are your refund policies?
This information is listed on the "Birth Doula Services" page.
Tell me about your experience as a birth doula.
Please see the Birth Experience section of the "Training/Continuing Education" page for information about the births I've attended.
What is your philosophy about birth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
I believe that women have the ability to birth without medication, and that it can be one of the most empowering experiences of a woman's life -- but it's definitely not for everyone, and it requires planning and preparation. I tell women that they wouldn't show up at the entry gate of a marathon expecting to finish the race if they had never trained. I believe the same is true for natural childbirth, especially in our medicalized society where women aren't allowed to respond intuitively to their bodies, and where our media has portrayed birth as the worst thing a woman will ever endure.
Each woman has the right and responsibility to determine the type of birth she desires, and I support her decision -- and her right to change her mind in the middle of it if she chooses -- 100%. Birth has the power to bring a couple together in a completely intimate and vulnerable space, and to share emotions and strengths they may never see in each other at any other time in their lives. My role is to support the woman and her partner; to ensure that their needs are met; to be an advocate and a role model; and to provide gentle reminders and guidance to the mother and her partner.
May we meet to discuss our birth plan and the role you will play in supporting me through birth?
Absolutely! I'm happy to do a "meet and greet", and once we have signed a contract, we will meet before the birth to get better acquainted, to go into detail about your birth plan, and to make sure you have all of the information and resources you need to have the birth you want.
May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
Of course, you may contact me at any time! If I can't answer your questions, I will suggest appropriate resources, or may ask you to contact your care provider if your question requires medical advice.
When do you join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?
I will meet you whenever you decide you want my presence, either at your home or at the place of birth. I ask clients to call when they believe that labor has started, even if they aren't ready for me to join them, so that I can be prepared. Once you ask me to join you, it typically takes between 1-2 hours for me to arrive, depending on the amount of notice, time of day, distance, traffic, etc.
Do you meet with us after the birth to review the labor and to answer questions?
Definitely! I take notes throughout the birth as time allows and will share these notes with you during a postpartum visit to assist you in processing the birthing experience and filling in any gaps in your amazing journey!
What training have you had?
My initial training and continuing education are listed on the "Training/Continuing Education" page.
Do you have one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet them?
I have a doula partner that I work with regularly. If you'd like, we can do the initial meet and greet together, or I can arrange a meeting during one of the prenatal visits. My partner will be available in case of a long labor, if I am attending another birth, or in case of unforeseen circumstances beyond my control. If I plan to be out of town near your due date, I will disclose that before you sign the contract.
What is your fee, what does it include and what are your refund policies?
This information is listed on the "Birth Doula Services" page.
Tell me about your experience as a birth doula.
Please see the Birth Experience section of the "Training/Continuing Education" page for information about the births I've attended.
What is your philosophy about birth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
I believe that women have the ability to birth without medication, and that it can be one of the most empowering experiences of a woman's life -- but it's definitely not for everyone, and it requires planning and preparation. I tell women that they wouldn't show up at the entry gate of a marathon expecting to finish the race if they had never trained. I believe the same is true for natural childbirth, especially in our medicalized society where women aren't allowed to respond intuitively to their bodies, and where our media has portrayed birth as the worst thing a woman will ever endure.
Each woman has the right and responsibility to determine the type of birth she desires, and I support her decision -- and her right to change her mind in the middle of it if she chooses -- 100%. Birth has the power to bring a couple together in a completely intimate and vulnerable space, and to share emotions and strengths they may never see in each other at any other time in their lives. My role is to support the woman and her partner; to ensure that their needs are met; to be an advocate and a role model; and to provide gentle reminders and guidance to the mother and her partner.
May we meet to discuss our birth plan and the role you will play in supporting me through birth?
Absolutely! I'm happy to do a "meet and greet", and once we have signed a contract, we will meet before the birth to get better acquainted, to go into detail about your birth plan, and to make sure you have all of the information and resources you need to have the birth you want.
May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
Of course, you may contact me at any time! If I can't answer your questions, I will suggest appropriate resources, or may ask you to contact your care provider if your question requires medical advice.
When do you join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?
I will meet you whenever you decide you want my presence, either at your home or at the place of birth. I ask clients to call when they believe that labor has started, even if they aren't ready for me to join them, so that I can be prepared. Once you ask me to join you, it typically takes between 1-2 hours for me to arrive, depending on the amount of notice, time of day, distance, traffic, etc.
Do you meet with us after the birth to review the labor and to answer questions?
Definitely! I take notes throughout the birth as time allows and will share these notes with you during a postpartum visit to assist you in processing the birthing experience and filling in any gaps in your amazing journey!
Areas served: all hospital, birth center and home births in King County and South Snohomish county including Kirkland, Juanita, Bothell, Woodinville, Kenmore, Bellevue, Redmond, Sammamish, Seattle, Queen Anne, Capitol Hill, Greenlake, Northgate, Ballard, Shoreline, Edmonds, Lynnwood, Mountlake Terrace, Mukilteo, Mill Creek, Monroe, Everett, and Snohomish.