Doulas are truly great... in fact, it's why I became one. I didn't have one with my first and I truly think it would have made ALL the difference. The second time my midwife said she'd be my doula (ha, it's not possible as they are two totally different responsibilities and I think she did a diservice to me by saying she could do both - she was just trying to make sure I didn't hire a midwife who is also a doula - - she had personal problems with her). ANYways... I won't have any more kiddlets without a doula. Kind of funny but I am going to be unassisted this time, but I'm still hiring a doula... I figure if I don't need her, great, but if I do - they are worth every penny in gold.
A funny story is before I was in labor with my first I wanted to use the shower and a various aray of positions, etc. but when I actually got into serious labor my mind was in labor-land and I kept saying I didn't want to do this or that (which I can't remember doing to be honest) and no one remembered to have me drink or eat so it was 48 hours of no food or water when we transfered to the hospital from our planned homebirth. I tell ya, a doula would have saved my hide from a transfer, I know it. She would have 'made' me try some different things, remembered to keep me hydrated, fed and would have kept track of my emotional well-being and wouldn't be afraid of the labor and what was happening because she'd been around to know that it was normal. She could have soothed my husband's fears and helped him to be more helpful to me (so I would have found him more helpful). In the end, hard to go wrong.
What do you look for in a doula?
I would look for a good personal fit (#1 with you, #2 with DH)... I think this is key - if you like her and trust her, it will go well in that regard and you will work well together. I would also look for some broad experience (more than just one kind of birth) and maybe ask if there are some people you can call as her references (and get personal asking about their experiences, what they liked about her, what they didn't or wish had been better). Ask what kinds of tools she brings with her in her birth bag (can give you an idea of what she can offer though that is not limited to "stuff"). Price can be a part, but it shouldn't be too much of a decision maker.
How do you go about interviewing doulas?
Call and set up a time to get together and meet each other, ask some questions (stuff you're concerned about, wondering about, about her, her experience, etc.) and go from there.
What does a doula do for you?
I put some ideas above - but they can really do most anything non-medical... they can be as limited as taking care of the little stuff (cool washcloths for your DH to use for you, snacks for everyone, setting up, picking up, running interferance with family if you need that, or hospital staff if you want that... etc.).
I personally take doula clients even if they have the same due date - I had two Moms labor the same day though they were 3w apart in due dates... I have a back-up doula, but made it to both when they needed me... I know in my heart I'll personally be the doula to those I'm meant to. If my back-up is meant to be there, she will instead.
Good luck!
~Julie
). 
:, I think. But it couldn't hurt to ask, if you make it really clear what you want -- more of a "family doula." If you don't feel like you want doula services for yourself though, a trusted babysitter would be a loooooooottttttt cheaper, I'm sure! Let us know what you end up doing, I'll be interested to hear. 
