Top Questions to Ask Before Hiring a San Diego Postpartum Doula
What most families ask… and a few questions they forget to.
Hiring a postpartum doula is one of the best investments you can make for your fourth trimester. But if you’ve never worked with one before, knowing what to ask during interviews or consultations can be overwhelming.
Most people start with the basics:
Are you certified?
Do you have availability around my due date?
What do your rates include?
Do you accept insurance or qualify for reimbursement from Carrot, Maven, or Progyny?
What are the maximum hours/visits you’re available per week?
That’s a solid start — but there’s a lot more to this decision than a price tag and schedule. At National Baby Co., we’ve seen firsthand how asking deeper questions helps families find the right fit. Below are some essential (and some not-so-obvious) questions to ask a San Diego postpartum doula before hiring.
1. How can you support my physical & emotional recovery in the postpartum period?
A postpartum doula isn't just there to hold the baby. You need someone who knows how to support you. The hormonal crash. The overwhelm. The identity shifts. Ask how they approach the physical & emotional side of postpartum and how they check in with clients day to day.
2. Do you offer overnight support? And what does that look like in practice?
Not all doulas do overnights, and not all overnights look the same. Ask:
Will you feed the baby, or just bring them to me?
Do you help with bottle prep, pump parts, or laundry?
Where do you sleep if baby is sleeping?
Knowing what to expect helps you set up a rhythm that works for your household.
3. What’s your experience and approach to feeding support?
Whether you're breastfeeding, combo feeding, or bottle feeding from the start, you want a doula who can support your plan, not push theirs.
Ask:
Do you have lactation training or work alongside an IBCLC?
How do you support clients who are struggling with feeding emotionally?
Can you provide education on pumping, milk storage, and introducing a bottle?
4. How do you personalize care for different families and parenting styles?
Every family is different. What works for your friend might not feel right for you. A skilled doula will be flexible, not one-size-fits-all. This question helps you weed out anyone who’s more prescriptive than supportive.
5. What’s your philosophy on newborn sleep, and how do you support it?
If you’re hiring a postpartum doula for help with sleep, especially overnights, then their approach matters. Ask:
Do you have experience with and support gentle sleep shaping?
What techniques do you use to soothe a baby during the night?
What’s your stance on co-sleeping, sleep training, or contact naps?
You want someone whose approach aligns with yours.
6. How do you handle boundaries with clients… and what are yours?
This one’s rarely asked, but it’s important. A great doula has strong boundaries and respects yours. Ask:
How do you communicate if something isn’t working?
Are there tasks you don’t take on? (Usually a doula won’t do heavy cleaning, provide childcare with the parents outside of the house, or give medical advice.)
How do you keep the professional relationship clear but caring?
7. What’s your backup plan if you get sick or have an emergency?
Life happens. Ask if they have a trusted backup doula, how coverage works, and what it looks like if you don’t want to work with their backup?
8. Do you bring anything with you when you come?
Some postpartum doulas arrive with a Mary Poppins bag of healing tools — others keep it simple. Ask about:
Herbal bath blends, sprays, or teas
Comfort tools (massage, belly binding)
Baby care items or gear for you to try out before purchasing your own
9. Can you help me build my full postpartum team?
The best doulas are well-connected. Ask if they have local referrals for
Pelvic floor therapists
Acupuncturists
Chiropractors
Lactation consultants
Therapists specializing in postpartum mental health
This way you don’t need to spend hours Googling!
10. What kind of families do you love supporting most?
This is one of the most telling questions you can ask. A doula who lights up when describing your kind of birth, parenting vibe, or lifestyle is someone who will show up for you fully.
Look for that spark. That energy. That fit.
Ready to Find the Right Doula for Your Family?
At National Baby Co., our San Diego postpartum doulas are experienced, professional, and matched with intention. Whether you need overnight help, daytime support, or a full postpartum plan, we’re here to guide you in finding a great postpartum doula match.
Let us help you build your support system before baby arrives and connect you with a postpartum doula in San Diego today!
