Tips for interviewing a POSTPARTUM doula

Postpartum Doulas are all about the aftercare of birth. They come to your home on a regular basis to help you with the transition to parenthood and adjusting to life with a new baby.

There is a big variety in types of services and backgrounds of postpartum doulas. You can have a day doula, or a night doula; but it's rare for a doula to offer both (they need to sleep sometimes too!)

Many postpartum doulas have additional specialties in addition to their doula training including

• postpartum nutrition,
• lactation,
• essential oils,
• baby wearing,
• etc.

But while postpartum doulas can support with light housework and sibling care, they are not housekeeper nor are they nanny's. Their top priority is supporting you through the recovery of your birth and the vulnerable transition to adjusting to life with a new baby.

So how do you select the right postpartum doula for your family?

The best interviews feel more like a conversation than a Q&A session. Feels like having coffee with a friend.

Be willing to share about yourself - the interview is a two-way street! Be ready to share your ideas around birth and how you hope a doula can support you.

Here are our top 10 questions to ask:

1. What was your journey to becoming a postpartum doula?
2. How do you support families as a pp doula? Do you have any added trainings or qualification to support pp families?
3. Do you provide lactation support?
4. Are there any services or tasks you do not offer?
5. What back up plans do you have in case of medical emergencies or transportation issues?
6. What covid precautions are you taking and how do you take precautions with your clients? Do you have the flu shot, TDAP, etc.?
7. How many weeks of postpartum care do most families hire you for?
8. How many visits per week?
9. Do you have any minimum and max hour requirements for shifts?
10. What lights you up the most about being a postpartum doula?

Remember that you're looking for a doula who'll be there for YOU. They're there to create space for you and your partner to connect, for you to take care of yourself, and will be in for the long haul.

When interviewing doulas look for a great connection! You want a sense of trust, respect, and open mindedness.