Your First Prenatal Visit as a Doula: What to Ask, What to Bring, and How to Lead with Confidence
Stepping into your first prenatal visit as a doula can feel like a lot. On one hand, it’s exciting—you’re finally working with a client, making that real, in-person connection. On the other hand, you might feel some imposter syndrome… those familiar nerves creeping in, wondering if you’ll know the right things to ask, if you’ll feel confident, or if you’ll manage to balance being both professional and personable.
It’s completely normal to feel a little unsure, especially in the beginning. But what you need to remember is this: the prenatal visit is one of the most important moments in your relationship with your client. It sets the tone for everything to come, from the support you’ll give in labor to how well you’ll collaborate as a team.
But the problem is, there’s no one-size-fits-all guide for how to handle that first prenatal visit. A lot of doula training programs will focus on the theoretical aspects of support, leaving the practical, nitty-gritty details to the side. They might teach you how to support a laboring person, but what about how to walk into that first prenatal visit and actually lead it with confidence?
That’s where we come in.
We created A Doula’s Guide to Prenatal Visits for doulas just like you. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting out, this guide will help you walk into your first (or fiftieth) prenatal visit feeling prepared, calm, and ready to connect with your client in a meaningful way. And if you’re feeling a little unsure about how to navigate that visit, you’re not alone. There’s a lot to think about—and we’ve got you covered.
What to Ask
It’s not just about what you know, but how you ask it. At your first prenatal visit, the goal is to build a relationship with your client, not just gather information. You’re there to understand their hopes, fears, and expectations for labor and birth. But where do you start?
The questions you ask in this visit should invite open dialogue, allowing your client to share their personal preferences, values, and past experiences. These aren’t just basic “check-the-box” questions—they’re the foundation of how you’ll support them during labor. Some key areas to focus on:
Birth Preferences: What’s important to them during labor? Do they have any specific things they want in place (e.g., music, lighting, comfort measures)?
Previous Births: If they’ve given birth before, ask about their past experiences—what worked well, what didn’t. This gives you insight into their emotional needs and any concerns they may have.
Support System: Who else is in their support network? What role do they want you to play in relation to their partner, family, or friends during the birth?
These questions are designed to give you a snapshot of who your client is and what they need, but they also open the door to building rapport and trust.
What to Bring
You’d be surprised how many doulas go into a prenatal visit without thinking about what they need. Sure, you’re there to support the client, but if you’re not prepared, you might end up fumbling through your agenda mid-session or losing track of what you want to cover.
Some basics to have with you:
Your Intake Form/Client Info Sheet: This is a great starting point for getting the conversation flowing. Even though you’ve likely gone over this info already, it’s good to touch base on anything that might need clarification.
Comfort Items: Some doula tools like a rebozo, or a birth ball can help give you something to demonstrate and practice using prior to labor.
Your Own Notes: Whether it’s a simple notebook or a pre-prepared list of things to talk about, don’t leave it to memory. Having your notes ensures you don’t miss any key points, and it makes you appear organized and thorough.
A tip: Don’t overwhelm your client with every tool and technique you have. Focus on the basics. Be prepared to introduce options when the time is right, but don’t go into overdrive trying to demonstrate everything you’ve learned. Keep it simple and client-centered.
How to Lead with Confidence
Okay, so what if you’re feeling nervous? What if you’re thinking, “What if I mess up? What if I ask the wrong questions? What if I’m not confident enough?”
Here’s the truth: confidence comes from preparation and presence. You don’t need to have all the answers or be a walking birth encyclopedia. But you do need to have a calm, grounded presence that lets your client feel safe, heard, and understood.
How to get there? Prepare yourself to listen actively, respond with empathy, and guide the conversation in a way that feels natural. Trust that you are enough, and that your intuition will help guide you. If you don’t know something, it’s okay to say, “I’m not sure about that, but let me get back to you on it.” Being honest builds trust.
Where to Go from Here?
It’s one thing to know the basics of a prenatal visit, but it’s another to execute it with confidence and ease. If you want to make your prenatal visits truly shine, you need to be prepared—and that’s exactly why we created A Doula’s Guide to Prenatal Visits.
This guide walks you through everything you need to know, from essential questions to ask to practical tips on what to bring and how to lead the conversation. Whether you’re a brand-new doula or a seasoned pro looking to refine your skills, this guide is your go-to resource to help you show up as the confident, supportive professional you are.
👉 Ready to master your prenatal visits? Get your copy of A Doula’s Guide to Prenatal Visits today and start building your confident, client-centered approach!
