The First Five Steps To Take When Hiring a Birth Doula

Hiring a birth doula can be one of the most empowering decisions you make during your pregnancy. Doulas provide emotional, physical, and informational support throughout pregnancy, labor, and birth—and often in the postpartum period as well. But where do you start? Here are 5 simple steps when preparing to interview birth doulas in your area!

1. Clarify What You Want from Your Birth Experience

Before reaching out to potential doulas, take time to reflect on your birth preferences and the parts about birth that are really important to you. Do you want an unmedicated birth, or are you open to an epidural? Are you delivering at home, a birthing center, or a hospital? Do you want someone who is very hands-on or more of a calming presence? Are any specific lived experiences important to you such as trans affirming care, a fertility journey, ethnically or racially aligned with your identity?

Understanding your own goals and values will help you find a doula whose approach aligns with your vision for birth. You don’t need to have every detail figured out—flexibility is key—but having a general idea will guide your search and make sure you have found the perfect fit!

2. Start Looking Early

Doulas often book up quickly, especially in busy metropolitan areas. It's a good idea to begin your search by the beginning of your second trimester (around 12–16 weeks), especially if your due date falls during a high-demand season like summer or around the holidays.

Look for local doula directories, ask your healthcare provider for recommendations, and join community groups where other parents share their experiences- your friends may have great recommendations!

3. Interview Multiple Doulas

Choosing a doula is a deeply personal decision, so don’t feel pressured to go with the first person you meet. Set up interviews with two or three doulas, either in person or via video chat. I always prefer to meet my clients in person for consultation to really get a feel for if we're a good fit for each other, meeting for a snack or a coffee is a great way to take the pressure off and let conversation flow more easily for everyone.

During the interview, ask about:

• Their experience and training- many doulas have participated in specialized training that could really interest you and align with your goals

• What they prioritize within their time spent with you prenatally and during birth

• Their philosophy on birth and interventions, what their relationships are with providers in the area

• What their support looks like during labor and postpartum

• Fees and what’s included in their services

Trust your gut—you want someone you feel comfortable with, someone who listens to you, and someone you can envision supporting you during a vulnerable and powerful moment in your life.

4. Ask for References

Ask for references from recent clients. Talking to other families about their experiences can give you a fuller picture of what working with the doula is like in real-life situations. Some newer doulas may be able to provide other doulas or birthworkers as their reference- new doulas can still be a fabulous support to your birth- experience doesn't always guarantee the best fit!

5. Review the Contract Thoroughly

Before making your final decision, review the doula’s contract carefully. It should include:

• Services provided (e.g., prenatal visits, birth support, postpartum visit)

• Availability and backup plans

• Payment schedule and cancellation policy

• Communication expectations

Make sure everything is clear and that you’re comfortable with the terms before signing.

Hiring a birth doula is about more than finding someone with the right credentials—it's about building trust and finding a calm, confident guide who will support you through one of life’s most transformational experiences. Start early, ask the right questions, and choose someone who feels like the right fit for you. Your birth, your way.

Use our free checklist to give you direction and take notes when interviewing doulas! It's full of great conversation starters and exploratory questions to help find your perfect fit.