Ask the doula what she charges and what services she is willing to provide. The package should include one or more prenatal and postnatal visits. Ask her if she is available for telephone calls if you have questions or concerns. Will she provide non-medical advice and meet with you throughout your pregnancy, or will she only attend you once you’ve gone into labor? Will she be available to attend you if you and your partner decide on birthing at home? Will she provide homecare after the delivery?
Some doulas do not assist in birthing, but will give homecare after the baby is born. These postpartum doulas perform light housekeeping tasks, make meals, help with breastfeeding issues and help you learn to cope with your new responsibilities. These services may be provided for a few days or up to a few weeks.
Ask a prospective doula how many clients she services each month. Will she guarantee her services during labor and delivery? Be sure she has a backup plan in case she is ill or has another delivery at the same time as you go into labor. Ask her to introduce you to her assistant or another doula who will step in to take her place should a conflict of interest occur.
Other Concerns
Inquire if a prospective doula has limitations. Will she attend the local hospital that you and your partner have chosen for the labor and delivery of your baby? Will she work with all medical teams and health care professionals?
References
Ask a prospective doula to provide you with references and be sure to check them. These can include letters of recommendation, contact information or names and phone numbers of past clients. All doulas should be more than willing to provide references. If a doula hesitates, resists, or puts off giving you references, a red flag has risen. Continue your search for the perfect doula to attend your labor and delivery.