A doula will usually be someone who lives fairly close to you as she will probably work for you part-time. Make sure that the doulas you see are happy about the journey they will have to make to get to you and that it won't take too long. Some may ask for their travel expenses to be paid if they have to come a long way. This is something you need to agree on together.

When you are interviewing a doula the first and most important thing is that you feel comfortable and happy with her. She needs to be your sort of person - someone you can confide in, rely on and feel happy to have around at your most vulnerable time. So when you meet her for the first time, trust your gut. If you don't feel quite happy about her being around then cut the interview short and see someone else.

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. You will also need to check that she is willing to help around the house - some doulas who do not work through our agency can be very reluctant to do that. Here is a selection of questions to give you a start:

For birth doulas:
· What did you learn from your own experience of giving birth? What advice would you give me to help with it?
· How many births have you attended?
· How will you be able to help me during the birth?
· Do you know what you are legally not allowed to do in the birthing room?
· What will you do if I have to have an emergency caesarean?
· Do you have back-up arrangements available for the birth?
· How will you be able to help the father if he is there too?
· What are your views on the use of drugs during the birth?
· Would you be willing to come with me to talk to the doctor who is supervising the birth?

For post-birth doulas:
· Are you happy to do some cooking and help a little around the house if I need it (N.B. a doula is not there to replace your housekeeper)?
· Are you happy helping me with my other children (e.g. school run) when needed?
· Can you help with the cooking for the family? What sort of cooking do you do?
· What sort of foods do you think I should have if I am breast-feeding? Would you be happy to make them for me?
· How would you be able to help my partner?