You’re Interviewing Your Doula Clients, Too! 20 Questions To Ask Potential Doula Clients
Just as potential clients are interviewing you to ensure a good fit, it's equally important for you to vet them! The doula-client relationship is a partnership, and finding the right match is key to a successful and fulfilling experience for both parties, not to mention for a sustainable career as a doula. Here's why you should approach doula interviews with a discerning eye and what to consider during the process.
Why Vet Your Doula Clients?
Establishing Compatibility: As a doula you have a unique approach, philosophy, and personality. Vetting your clients allows you to determine if there's alignment between your values, beliefs, and needs. A strong connection fosters trust, creating a supportive environment for the client and a good working relationship.
Setting Expectations: Clarifying expectations from the beginning is crucial. Through the vetting process, you can discuss your scope of practice, availability, communication preferences, contract, and specific boundaries. This ensures that your client has a clear understanding of what to expect from you and avoids miscommunication or unmet expectations down the line.
Ensuring Mutual Respect: Vetting clients enables you to gauge their respect for your expertise, boundaries, and role as a doula. It's an opportunity to assess whether they value your input, trust you, and are committed to collaborating with you as part of their birth or postpartum support team.
What to Consider During Doula Interviews
Values and Beliefs: Discuss your approach to childbirth, postpartum care, and parenting to ensure alignment with your clients' values and preferences. Consider topics such as pain management, birth interventions, breastfeeding support, and parenting philosophies to gauge compatibility.
Communication Style: Assess how your potential clients communicate and their preferred methods of staying in touch. Discuss expectations for communication frequency, availability for prenatal or postpartum visits, and response times to ensure compatibility.
Birth or Postpartum Plan: Inquire about your clients' birth or postpartum preferences, goals, and concerns. Understand their expectations for your role and how they envision your support fitting into their overall plan. This discussion allows you to determine if you're equipped to meet their needs and provide the level of support they require.
Previous Experiences: Ask about your clients' previous experiences with childbirth, postpartum care, or doula support. Understanding their history can provide insights into their expectations, concerns, and any potential triggers or sensitivities you should be aware of during your partnership.
Questions to Ask Your Clients During a Doula Interview
Can you tell me a bit about yourself and your journey to parenthood?
Why are you looking for a birth/postpartum doula?
Have you had any previous experiences with doula support?
What are your goals and expectations for your birth/postpartum experience?
How do you envision my role as your doula?
What are your preferences regarding pain management, interventions, and labor support?
Are there any specific cultural or spiritual practices that are important to you?
How do you plan to involve your partner or other support persons during labor/postpartum?
What are your thoughts on breastfeeding, and do you anticipate needing support in this area?
Are there any medical conditions or concerns that you'd like me to be aware of?
What type of communication style do you prefer, and how often would you like to stay in touch?
Do you have any specific preferences or concerns regarding the birth/postpartum environment (e.g., home, hospital, birthing center)?
Are there any particular comfort measures or coping techniques that you're interested in exploring during labor?
Have you created a birth/postpartum plan, and if so, would you like assistance in developing or refining it?
How do you feel about medical interventions such as inductions, epidurals, or cesarean sections?
Are there any specific fears or anxieties you have about the postpartum period?
What are your expectations for postpartum support, including newborn care and recovery assistance?
How do you plan to navigate family dynamics and visitors during the postpartum period?
Are there any additional services or resources you're interested in exploring, such as childbirth education classes or lactation support?
What are your hopes for our partnership, and how can I best support you during this journey?
The doula-client relationship is a collaboration built on trust, respect, and shared goals. Just as clients seek a doula who aligns with their needs and values, as a doula, you must also vet your clients to ensure compatibility and mutual understanding. By approaching client interviews with intentionality and discernment, you can cultivate relationships that empower, support, and enrich the childbirth and postpartum experiences for your client, but also for you.