The Must-Ask Questions When Interviewing a Postpartum Doula or Newborn Care Specialist (NCS)

Amy Berg, LM, NCS, PPD
May 2
3 min read

Whether it's your first or fifth, having the right support in your corner makes all the difference. That’s where a Postpartum Doula or Newborn Care Specialist (NCS) comes in.

But how do you know you’ve found your person? The one who’ll nurture, guide, and show up for your family in the way you need most?

Here’s a list of thoughtful, evidence-based, and heart-centered questions to ask during your interviews, so you feel confident, supported, and deeply seen.

🔍 Getting to Know Them

What inspired you to become a Postpartum Doula or NCS? (This gives you insight into their passion and philosophy.)
How long have you been doing this work, and what certifications or training do you have? Look for relevant credentials like NCSA, DONA, CAPPA, or certifications in lactation, sleep shaping, CPR, etc.

Certification can be a helpful sign of training. Still, it’s important to know that credentialing in the postpartum and newborn care world is relatively new, and not all certifications are created equal. No two certifying agencies follow the same standards, and certification alone doesn’t guarantee hands-on experience. If having a certified doula or NCS is important to your family, consider looking for programs that are widely recognized in the industry or approved for insurance reimbursement (such as DONA, CAPPA, NCSA, etc.). That said, some of the most seasoned, intuitive caregivers out there may not hold formal certifications, so don’t hesitate to ask about both experience and training to get the full picture.

What is your approach to newborn care and postpartum healing? Are they hands-on? Do they prefer guiding you or taking the lead? Their style should align with your needs.

🍼 Feeding Support

How do you support families who choose formula feeding, breastfeeding, or a combo of both? The right support person respects your choices without judgment.
Do you have experience with tongue ties, low milk supply, or bottle refusal? Specialized experience can make all the difference when unexpected challenges arise.

🌙 Overnight and Daytime Logistics

What does a typical shift with you look like? This paints a picture of their flow, nurturing baby, prepping bottles, folding tiny laundry, or talking through your birth story at 2 AM.
Do you work overnight, daytime, or a mix? And how do you handle last-minute schedule changes?

🛑 Boundaries and Safety Must-Ask Questions

How do you handle illness, cancellations, or emergencies—yours or ours? Their policies should protect both sides while still feeling human.
What are your safety practices around sleep, feeding, and illness prevention? They should be up to date on safe sleep, formula prep, and newborn hygiene.
Are you comfortable with pets, cameras in the home, or other people being present during shifts?
Vaccine Status: When inviting someone into your home to care for your newborn, it's absolutely appropriate to ask about their vaccination status. This may include common vaccines such as Tdap, flu, and COVID-19. Some families feel more comfortable knowing their doula or newborn care specialist is up to date, especially when caring for premature infants or those with medical vulnerabilities. Keep in mind that not all caregivers may be vaccinated for personal or medical reasons. The key is open, respectful conversation to ensure alignment with your family’s comfort level and health needs.

💬 Communication + Fit

What’s your communication style during shifts and in between? Some parents love text updates. Others want rest, silence, and a gentle wake-up. Both are valid.
Have you worked with families of diverse backgrounds, including LGBTQ+ families, single parents, adoptive families, etc.? Cultural competence and inclusivity matter.
What do you love most about your work, and what would your past clients say about you? Don’t be afraid to ask for references or testimonials.

✨ Final Thoughts

Finding the right postpartum support is more than checking credentials, it’s about chemistry, comfort, and trust. You deserve someone who honors your parenting instincts, creates calm in your space, and reminds you: you’ve got this.

If you're searching for support and don't know where to start, reach out. I’d love to answer your questions and see if we’re a good fit.