Finding and Choosing a Doula
(Womb Within has its very own doula)
So you think a doula is a good idea! That’s terrific. But the next question is usually “so how do I find one?” There are a number of options:
Ask your friends and other people you know who have given birth in the past 5 years if they used a doula or know of any.
Contact your local pregnancy resource center or birth center.
Ask your midwife or doctor. Midwives often work with doulas and some have collaborative practices. Doctors may have met doulas who accompanied some of their patients, and may be able to give you names.
Try the certifying organizations. The “big three” are ALACE (Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators and Doulas), CAPPA (Childbirth And Postpartum Professional Association) and DONA (Doulas of North America). There are others, but those are the ones you will most likely hear about. Each organization has their own membership and training requirements. They usually provide lists of certified doulas on their website, and will provide the names of student doulas in your area upon request.
Look online. Some doulas have ads on Craigslist. Others have their own websites. (Google “doula” + your city for starters) In some areas, doulas have formed professional networks to support each other, meet regularly for continuing education, and to be a resource to the community at large. You can also try sites like www.alldoulas.com.
Once you’ve found a few doulas, it’s time to set up interviews. Ideally, you will have two or three doulas you are interested in meeting with. Choose a location that you’re comfortable in – it might be your home or a coffee shop. It’s best if your partner can be there as well, because you are hiring someone to join your team, and it’s important that you both feel comfortable with your new teammate. Allow at least an hour for your interview, more if possible.
Come prepared with questions. There are a lot of recommendations out there for what to ask. If nothing else, ask these:
1. Why did you become a doula?
2. What services do you offer? (In addition to labor support, some doulas offer services such as: private childbirth preparation, prenatal meetings to discuss preferences and practice techniques, will accompany you to a doctor’s appointment, rent birth tubs, help write birth plans, rent birth tubs, do belly casting, or will host a Blessingway ceremony for you.)
3. How do you work with couples prior to labor to help prepare them for the birth?
4. What types of births have you attended? (Home, hospital, birth center, medicated, unmedicated, water, Caesarean)
5. How do you support women during early labor? When do you join a woman in labor, and where?
6. How do you support women during active labor?
7. What is your view on medical intervention, including pain medication?
8. What interventions have you seen? What complications have you seen? How have you helped women through situations that were not ideal?
9. How do you see your role complementing my husband/partner?
10. If the doula has children, ask her about her own births.
Take notes! It will be important for you to have something to review later when you are comparing the different styles and approaches.
Interview all the doulas on your list before making a decision. Yes, even if the first doula you meet feels like your long-lost sister. Each doula you meet with will share information, insight, or ideas you may otherwise not be exposed to. Then, take a few days to discuss pros and cons of each before making a decision. (This is where those notes come in handy!) And please, let the other doulas know you have decided to hire someone else. It’s difficult for the doula to be left wondering what happened when a potential client never calls back after an interview.
If at all possible, don’t base your decision on cost. There are many doulas who will be happy to work out a payment plan, take Paypal if you need to use a credit card, or barter goods/services. You can also “register” for a doula as a shower gift. Maybe a doula is more important to you than every baby gadget ever made. Better to find someone you are comfortable with and who you feel can provide the support you need and want than settle for someone you don’t like just because you can afford her. After all, you will be sharing a very intimate, important time with your doula. She will be with you more than your care provider, your nurse, or possibly even your partner. She will see you at your most vulnerable, and at your most strong, moments.
That being said, if cost really is a factor, consider a student doula. Why a student doula? Doulas who are just starting out and are planning to certify with one of the major organizations need to have a certain number of births to meet the certification requirements (this number varies from organization to organization). It can be very challenging to find women willing to let them attend their births, so they often offer their services at a reduced rate (or even free). Student doulas are full of energy, enthusiasm, and ideas. It is a win-win situation for both of you!
Good doulas will have a contract that spells out charges, payment arrangements, what services are included, and any refund policy. Your doula should also have a backup in case you go into labor when your primary doula is unavailable (out of town, sick, etc.). Alternatively, ask if your backup doula can be the doula you’ve identified as your “second choice”.- in most towns, doulas know each other and are happy to work out the particulars to ensure you get the support you need when you need it. You should both have a signed copy once you have agreed to hire her for your birth.
Book early. Doulas typically take 1-2 clients a month. Some may take 3. But because a doula is on call 24 hours, 7 days a week, for a client 2 weeks before her due date and up to 2 weeks after, slots fill up quickly. The best time to start interviewing doulas is in your 5th or 6th month.
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