QUESTIONS FOR THE DOULA

Of course, as you may not know anyone else who has had a doula you may be unsure what to expect from her. But basically you will need to know some of her views on childbirth and the care of babies so that you can tell if you are compatible. Here is a selection of questions to give you a start:

1. What did you learn from your own experience of giving birth? What advice would you give me to help with it?
2. How many births have you attended?
3. How will you be able to help me during the birth?
4. After the birth, are you happy to help with some cooking and cleaning in the house if I need it?
5. Are you happy helping me with my other children (e.g. school run) when needed.
6. What sort of foods do you think I should have if I am breast-feeding? Would you be happy to make them for me?
7. Do you have back-up arrangements available for the birth?
8. Do you have a car and would you be able to help pick the other children up from school (if appropriate)?
9. How would you be able to help the father of the child? What will you be able to do to stop him worrying too much?
10. Would you mind if the father attended the birth as well as you?
11. What are your views on the use of drugs during the birth?
12. What are your views on the baby having injections?
13. Would you be willing to come with me to talk to the doctor who is supervising the birth?

If you are having a doula for the birth itself it would be a good idea to have her with you for at least a few hours before the day you expect to have the baby. That way you will be able to get used to each other and plan together what you will do during the birth and, if you are having a hospital birth, what things you can take with you to make the experience more enjoyable and peaceful.

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