10 Questions to Ask a Doula near Washington, DC Before You Hire
-
Bethany - 26 Jun, 2025
TL;DR: Picking a doula is like dating: maybe you’ve had your eye on someone for a while, or maybe you need an app for that.
Hey mom friends! I’m Bethany, mom of three, and I’m here to help you interview your dream doula. Below are ten conversation-starting questions (with the “why it matters” cheat sheet) for families in the DMV.
I used the same amazing doula for my second and third births. The first time I hired her, I also interviewed two other doulas. I created a list of these standarzed interview questions and took detailed notes during each convo so I could easily compare apples to apples on things like price later.
My interviews all took place via video call, which was a important part of my vibe check. All the doulas I talked to seemed lovely, but the doula I worked with felt like the best chemistry.
1. Are you certified, and if so, by which organization?
Why it matters: While there is no federally regulatied organization certifying doulas (mhtf.org), certification from an org like DONA International means they’ve completed formal training, logged births, and follow a code of ethics. Think of it as a quality-control stamp. (dona.org)
2. How many births have you attended—and what kinds?
Why it matters: A doula who’s seen everything from water births to unplanned C-sections is basically a birth Swiss Army knife.
3. What’s your fee, and what does it cover?
Why it matters: DC-area birth doula packages typically run $1,000-$3,000 and may include prenatal visits, labor support, and a postpartum check-in. Some providers offer sliding scales and grants. Other ways to offset price is to hire a doula in training, or add it to your baby shower registry!
4. Do you work with a backup doula?
Why it matters: Babies are on their own time. A solid backup plan keeps you covered if your doula gets the flu—or stuck on I-95. While I didn’t interview my doula’s backup, you could ask to.
5. When do you go “on call” for my due date?
Why it matters: Standard is often two weeks before and after your expected due date.
6. What’s your philosophy on pain management and interventions?
Why it matters: Whether you want “epidural me ASAP” or “let’s try hypnobirthing first,” your doula should vibe with your goals, not push theirs.
7. How will you interact with my partner (or support squad)?
Why it matters: Partners have questions too! It’s great to include them in the interviews.
8. What prenatal and postpartum visits are included?
Why it matters: Prenatal and postpartum support varies based on your contract. After my first birth, I learned how important a birth debreif was to me, so the postpartum appointment was a must.
9. How do you adapt to hospital, birth-center, and home births?
Why it matters: Each setting has its own policies. You want someone who can negotiate their own visitation so you aren’t playing host.
10. Do you have reviews or testimonials?
Why it matters: Reviews can give you that extra boost of confidence when making this big decision in your birth journey.
Final Pro Tips
- Get receipts. Ask for contract samples in case you missed something during the interview.
- Budget for postpartum, too. When budgeting for a doula, keep in mind the other support team members you may want. For example, an overnight postpartum doula care will cost about $30-$60. (nightingalenightnurses.com) I paid $40 per hour in 2025.
This post is for informational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for personalized guidance.