7 Questions to Ask a Colorado Doula Before Hiring Them (+ 2 to Ask Yourself!)

So you’re looking for a doula? Many parents feel overwhelmed with all the options out there – and I’ll agree with you! We have a lot of (amazing) doulas here in Colorado Springs! But which one do you want at your birth? Who do you want supporting you in one of the most vulnerable and powerful experiences of your life? That’s an important question, and one you shouldn’t ignore.

The good thing is, most doulas want to help you answer that question! Most doulas in Colorado Springs offer a complimentary interview, meet-and-greet, discovery call, or consult, so both you and your doula can get a good feel for if you would make a good team. The goal is that you find a doula that you both trust and feel comfortable with – those kinds of doulas can make the world of difference in your birth experience.

So what do you ask a doula that you’re thinking about hiring? Here are 7 questions to have on your list (+ 2 bonus ones to ask yourself afterwards!).

7 Questions to Ask a Doula in Colorado

1. Why did you decide to become a doula?
   • This is an easy (and expected) get-to-know-you question to understand their “why” around birth work. Bonus: this easily segways into asking about their certification/training, how many years they’ve worked so far, how many births they’ve attended, and other similar details (focus on what’s important to you!). Note: if you’re looking for a doula to meet certain requirements – like taking Medicaid or Tricare, or being on the birth center approved list – make sure you ask that question in here, too!
2. What does support look like for you at a birth?
   • This question is all about getting an idea of what doula support looks like. Every doula brings a different “vibe” to births, and has different strengths – some are really good at providing hands-on, physical support (like counter pressure, helping suggest position changes that help labor progress, etc.), while others tend to provide more emotional support first (like saying just what you need to hear, reading affirmations, etc.). Some thrive being an enthusiastic cheerleader, while others’ strength lies in being a powerful source of calm. Most doulas are flexible enough to provide whatever support you need in the moment, but it helps if their “normal” support is what you think you’ll want.
3. What support would you provide me during pregnancy and postpartum after the birth?
   • Your goal here is to understand what support looks like for them beyond being there for you at your birth: are they available for questions during pregnancy & postpartum? Do they have resources for childbirth education classes or prenatal massages or pelvic floor therapy here in Colorado Springs (or whatever things that you’d find useful)? Do they meet for prenatal and postpartum visits and what do they cover during those?
4. What kinds of backup plans do you have in place?
   • Every doula should have backup plans in place: what if they’re sick or with another client when you go into labor? What if you have a fast birth, and they don’t make it in time? If you’re planning a home or birth center birth, would they go with you if you transfer? If they’re a photographer, do they have backup systems for the photos/videos? You’ll only birth this baby once, and as professionals, they should be prepared for all the possible unexpecteds!
5. Have you worked with my provider/at my birth location before? What did you think?
   • Spoiler: if the doula you’re talking with hasn’t liked working with your provider or at your birth location, they’re either a bad fit for you, or your provider/birth location isn’t a good fit for you.
6. What packages do you offer, and which do you recommend for me?
   • Some doulas here just offer one package, while others have a few different options (especially if the doula you’re talking to also offers birth photography, childbirth education classes, prenatal massage, postpartum doula support, lactation support, or other services). Make sure you understand what’s included in each package, if they have a special package for families like you (first time parents/birthing at a specific location/etc.), and feel free to ask what they think would meet your needs best.
7. How does hiring you work?
   • Before you finish chatting, be sure you understand the process and costs involved in booking and securing your spot on their calendar. Is there an agreement or contract you can sign? How do they take payment, and how much is required to reserve your spot? How long do you have to make a decision?

2 Questions to Ask Yourself

While you should collect a lot of information and facts throughout your interview, these questions about your own feelings are just as important! Remember: you’re interviewing for someone to come to your birth – an extremely vulnerable, messy, hard, sacred event. You (and your partner, for that matter) should 100% trust and feel comfortable with the person you invite to support you in that space! 

1. How did you feel talking with this doula?
   • Extra questions to consider here: did you feel comfortable asking them questions? Did you feel heard and seen, or rushed and unsure? Do you feel safe? Can you imagine them being there for you at your birth? Are you comfortable with their backup plans, and how they work? What are you uncertain about?
2. How did this doula seem to feel talking with you?
   • Did they seem excited to have you as a client? Confident in supporting you with what you need? Us humans are typically pretty perceptive in this, but also feel free to ask your doula how they feel about being your doula at the end of your call.

Quick Recap: What to Ask a Colorado Doula (and Yourself) Before Hiring Them

Before you hire a Colorado Springs doula, it’s important to take the time to get to know them! Here are 7 questions that you should consider asking as part of your doula interview:

1. Why did you decide to become a doula?
2. What does birth support look like for you?
3. Do you offer support during pregnancy and postpartum after the birth?
4. What kinds of backup plans do you have in place? (Backup doulas, etc.)
5. Have you worked with my provider/at my birth location before? What did you think?
6. What packages do you offer, and which do you recommend for me?
7. How does hiring you work?

After the interview, ask yourself these questions – because ultimately, it matters a whole lot how you feel about this person being your (very) personal birth space!

1. How did you feel while you were talking with this doula? (Comfortable? At ease? Awkward? Needy?)
2. How did this doula seem to feel about working with you?

Did you find this list of questions helpful? Share this with a friend, or better yet, let me send you my “How to Interview a Doula Guide” – it’s free, and also walks you through where to even look for a doula, some questions to help you decide what kind of support you want, additional questions you can ask them in your interview, and red and green flags to look out for! Fill out your info below, and I’ll get that to your email ASAP!

If you’re looking for a doula in Colorado Springs, reach out! I’d love to set up a doula interview and to hear more about your birth plans and hopes, especially if you’re curious about having a birth photographer and videographer! (Not interested birth photography or videography? Take a look at our latest list of the most recommended doulas, or send me a quick message on my Contact page; I’m happy to provide individual recommendations.)

Kaitlyn is a birth doula, photographer, and videographer serving families in Colorado Springs, southern Denver, and the surrounding areas.