What should I ask when interviewing a doula?

[geogirl]

I have a potential doula coming to my home this Thursday. She is newly trained has been at several births but is offering her services free because she is new. This doesn't bother me. I think most importantly I need to feel comfortable with her. So what should I ask her? I'm not sure I have much of a choice since I want the free service but I don't want to add conflict just comfort to the birth experience (a homebirth - my first). Thanks!

Rebecca

[jjdoula]

You are so right that the most important thing is that you are comfortable with her..I always tell potential clients to make sure they would still be able to stand me after 24 intense hours together!

I always suggest asking how the doula feels about things that you feel strongly about ( no meds,. positioning, testing,,,so on)..and what is most important is NOT that she agrees with your wishes,,but states that she is there to support your wishes! it should be clear that she is ready to support a whole spectrum of birth experiences. She will probably have some strong feelings in certain areas as all people who are in a birth relate

[jjdoula]

You are so right that the most important thing is that you are comfortable with her..I always tell potential clients to make sure they would still be able to stand me after 24 intense hours together!

I always suggest asking how the doula feels about things that you feel strongly about ( no meds,. positioning, testing,,,so on)..and what is most important is NOT that she agrees with your wishes,,but states that she is there to support your wishes! it should be clear that she is ready to support a whole spectrum of birth experiences. She will probably have some strong feelings in certain areas as all people who are in a birth related field do,,but if her feelings come on really strong,,stronger than her eagerness to support your feelings,,,I would step back and reevaluate!