Congratulations—you're thinking about hiring a doula!

Whether for birth, postpartum, or both, this decision can transform your journey into one of empowerment, connection, and support.

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Why hiring a doula matters

Partnering with a certified doula has been linked to:

• Lower Cesarean rates
• Fewer labor interventions (like Pitocin or forceps)
• Higher APGAR scores for newborns
• Better satisfaction with the birth experience
• Increased breastfeeding success and bonding
• Reduced risk of postpartum mood disorders

Doulas don’t just support the birthing person—they uplift partners, grandparents, and extended family too. Think of them as your emotional anchor and informational guide through one of life’s biggest transitions.

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Step 1: Build your short-list

Start by gathering names of doulas who might be a good fit.

• Search through Doula Directories
  
  • Loula Doula Directory
    
    • Find doulas who serve your county and accept your insurance
  • DoulaMatch.Net
  • DONA International Doula Directory
• Ask friends, family, or your OB/midwife for recommendations
  
• Connect with local parenting groups or birth educators

Look for someone whose style, philosophy, and presence resonate with you and anyone else who are along the parenting journey with you.

Oftentimes, many people speak to several doulas before finding their right match.

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Step 2: Set Up Consultations

Many times, especially if you've never worked with a doula before, it's hard to envision the support a doula can provide. If you reach out to 5 different doulas, it's likely that you will hear 5 different approaches to doula care.

It's okay if you don't have a list of criteria when you walk into these interviews. Come in to these consultations with an open mind to hearing the doula's approach to doula care!

• Meet in a relaxed, neutral setting like a café or on Zoom
• Have your partner join if possible—they’ll be supported too!
• Ask about availability and pricing upfront

This is your chance to get a feel for the doula’s personality and approach—don’t be afraid to take notes or ask follow-ups.

Don't be shy about letting the doula know that you're speaking with other doulas and that you will get back to them. You should never feel pressured to have an immediate answer after a consultation!

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Step 3: Questions to Ask When Interviewing a Doula

Here are the key areas to explore:

Philosophy & Approach

• What motivated you to become a doula?
• How do you describe your birth/postpartum support style?
• What comfort measures do you use (massage, rebozo, visualization, etc.)?

Background & Experience

• What training have you completed? Which organization?
• Are you certified or pursuing certification (e.g., CD(DONA))?
• How many births or families have you supported?

Services & Fees

• Have you worked with insurance? 
• What existing doula packages can I expect?
• If you want to pay for your doula with insurance
  
  • Do you provide any non-covered services for a fee? 
• If you want to pay for your doula out-of-pocket
  
  • What does your fee include—prenatal visits, labor support, postpartum care?
• How do you handle billing or sliding scale options (if any)?

Logistics & Communication

• How will visits be structured before and after the birth?
• Do you offer virtual support? In what format?
• Can I text you? How responsive can I expect you to be ifi have questions?
• When do you go on call?
• How should we reach you when labor starts?
• Do you have a backup doula? Can we meet them?
• How long do you stay after the birth?

Partner & Family Support

• How do you support partners during labor?
• Do you offer sibling support or guidance?
• What is your approach to newborn care and breastfeeding support?

Health & Safety

• Are you CPR certified?
• Are your vaccinations (like Tdap or flu) current?
• Have you completed a background check?

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Step 4: Reflect & Decide

After each interview, take a moment to reflect:

• Did you feel comfortable and listened to?
• Did the doula ask meaningful questions about your hopes and concerns?
• Did their answers align with your values and preferences?

Sometimes, the right match is clear right away. Other times, it takes sleeping on it. Trust your gut—and act fast once you know. Doulas book up quickly!

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Step 5: Finalize & Hire

Once you’ve chosen the right doula:

• Review and sign a contract outlining services, fees, and expectations
• If applciable, Pay any retainer or deposit as agreed
• Let the other doulas you interviewed know you’ve made a decision—it’s a kind and appreciated gesture

Final Thoughts

Choosing a doula is more than checking boxes—it’s about finding someone who gets you. Someone who will hold space for your fears and dreams, who’ll celebrate your strength, and who’ll stay by your side when things don’t go to plan.

Take your time. Trust your intuition. And remember—this is your birth, your baby, your story. The right doula will honor that.

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