Doula interview tomorrow - ??s to ask?

[Soul-O]

Hi Mamas:

I'm interviewing a highly recommended doula tomorrow in hopes that she will attend my birth in November. Other than usual questions about fees, contract, and how she runs her business, what do you suggest I ask her? Are there any red flags I should watch for?

TIA!

[the janet]

Here are some questions suggested by DONA: http://www.dona.org/mothers/how_to_hire_a_doula.php

As a birth doula, I see this meeting as your opportunity to get to know me. So, like any job interview, it's not enough to get the information that she would put on a resume. You should really find out how supportive she will be in YOUR choices, whatever they are. Even if you tell her you will demand an epidural and are leaning towards just wanting the Cesarean, her job is to educate you about the possible consequences of those procedures while at the same time try to instill faith in yourself. And whatever you end up choosing for yourself, she should be by your side to help make the memory of the day as positive for you as possible.

The most important questions to ask yourself are: 1) is this a good personality match and b) is she someone you would trust completely when you're at your most vulnerable?

(On the flip side, if she doesn't think she can be supportive of your choices/philosophy, or just doesn't think it's a good personality match, then it's her prerogative to decline to be your doula.)