Fifteen Questions for Your Postpartum Doula
🌿 Hey there! Thinking about hiring a postpartum doula? That’s such an amazing step toward building the support system you deserve during this special time. When you’re looking for the right fit, setting up an interview is key—and I’ve put together some questions to help you get started:
Are you trained as a postpartum doula? There are some wonderful organizations out there that provide training for postpartum doulas, often with hands-on experience and coursework. After training, some doulas choose to certify (and some don’t—both are completely valid!).
What other skills or training do you bring? Many doulas have extra expertise—like lactation support, infant massage, belly binding, or even massage therapy or nursing. It’s like a little bag of magic to support your postpartum journey!
Do you have experience with breastfeeding? Some doulas are certified Breastfeeding Educators, CLCs, IBCLCs, or Breastfeeding Peers. Most doulas, at the very least, have plenty of firsthand experience supporting breastfeeding families.
Can you share a bit about yourself and what drew you to postpartum work? I love asking this because it gives you a sense of their personality, passion, and heart for the work they do.
What’s the most exciting part of being a postpartum doula for you? This helps you learn what they’re most passionate about—whether that’s helping with breastfeeding, sharing evidence-based education, or supporting the day-to-day flow of newborn life.
What’s your philosophy on supporting families and parenting? This question gives you a sense of whether their approach aligns with your family’s values and style—so you get support that truly feels like a fit.
How do you see your role as a postpartum doula? Hearing their perspective helps you understand how they’ll integrate into your family’s postpartum journey.
What’s your availability like? Ask about minimum hours, days of the week they work, and whether they have flexibility that matches your needs.
Do you have any other clients due around the same time? Many postpartum doulas work with multiple families. It’s helpful to know how they manage their schedule to ensure you’ll get the care and attention you need.
Do you have a backup doula? Life happens! Knowing there’s a backup plan brings peace of mind.
What specific services do you offer? Postpartum doulas vary in what they do—some help with baby care, household tasks like laundry or cooking, errands, and more. Get clarity on what’s included.
Can we reach out with questions before and after baby arrives? It’s helpful to know if your doula is available to answer questions outside of scheduled hours.
Do you have experience with postpartum mood disorders? While doulas aren’t medical professionals, many are trained to recognize the signs of postpartum mood disorders and can refer you to the right support.
Do you have current CPR certification? If this is important to you, be sure to ask!
Can you provide references? Always ask for references—this is such a vulnerable time, and you want to feel completely comfortable inviting someone into your home.
✨ There you have it! I hope these questions help you find the perfect doula match to support you on your journey. Happy doula hunting, and remember—you’ve got this! 🌸
