When you’re pregnant, you need as much support as you can get both during, and after the pregnancy – hiring a doula can provide you and your birth partners with just the support and encouragement you need.
Not that your husband isn’t a perfectly good partner, but sometimes having a woman there to guide you through the labor and birth, empathizing with you, offering educated advice for getting through pregnancy, birthing, and postpartum issues and challenges, can be an invaluable addition to your existing support system.
What Does a Doula Offer?
- Pregnancy, and Post-Birth, Specific Training
- Experience with Multiple Mothers & Pregnancy Issues and Challenges
- DONA International Certification
- Superior Professionalism & Integrity
- Comfort, Empathy, & Trust
What to Consider When Hiring a Doula
- Do both you and your partner feel comfortable with the doula? Do you both like her?
- Do you have certain expectations of a doula, and know how to adequately convey them to her?
- Do you want your doula to share your same views on childbirth and parenting?
- What kind of background is important for your doula to have?
All of the above should factor in to your decision to hire and welcome this certified professional into the intimate experience of your labor and birth. You are hiring this professional, so I definitely recommend undertaking this process in a professional manner and execute an interview with at least three potential doulas.
First off, you need to obtain a list of potential doulas that are certified through DONA International (Doula of North America)or ALACE(Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators); a simple Google search for an online Doula Locator, should do the trick. Be sure to verify that the doulas you’re interviewing are certified-check credentials! In lots of communities, there are local doula organizations or groups. Look for local birth support or advocacy groups on Facebook or pregnancy forums and post questions there. Ask your childbirth educator for recommendations.
Once you’ve obtained your list of names, start the process by contacting them through email or phone calls. Start with at least 10 names. Give them your due date, your birth place, your caregiver, and your contact information. You may find that some aren’t available and are booked already. Then schedule your interviews, face to face, with at least three! Tailor them to your specific interests, concerns, and views- natural birth, medication for labor, cesarean section. What is your intention for your birth? If you don’t know, talking to the prospective doulas may help you figure it out. Meeting each woman face to face allows you to get a feel for her, make sure that you feel comfortable with her, and it’s a great opportunity and important for your significant other to meet them, as well, and assist in the decision making process.
What Kind of Interview Questions Should I Ask?
Great question! Luckily, I thought you might ask that very one, so I’ve put together three sets of interview questions tailored specifically to different needs for doulas. Generally, you’ll want a doula for labor and birth, or for after the birth, or both.
Questions to Ask Any Doula
- I’ve checked into your training, but I would love for you to tell me in your own words, what kind of training you’ve had, why, and what it has meant for you?
- If there will be times when you are unavailable, do you have a backup measure in place, or someone you trust to fill in for you? If so, can we meet with them as well?
- What does your fee include, and what policies do you have for refunds?
Questions to Ask Labor and Birth Doulas
- What kind of experience do you have that is specific to labor and birth?
- Initially, can we set up a time to discuss all plans for pregnancy and birth, and handle all expectations in advance?
- Do you come prior to the birth? Or just for the day of the birth?
- What kind of philosophy do you generally employ when it comes to supporting a woman through childbirth?
- Will you meet with us after the birth, to answer any questions that we may have?
- Will you still accept phone calls after the birth, if I need assistance?
Questions to Ask Doulas Specializing in Postpartum Depression
- What kind of experience do you have that is specific to postpartum depression?
- How do you go about supporting a mother suffering from postpartum depression, and how do you support her family?
- Can we establish in advance what role you will play once the baby is born?
- Will you be available for questions, concerns, or emergencies?
- Can you offer any support and experience with breastfeeding?
- Are you willing to submit to a criminal background check, as well as provide a recent TB test? Are you CPR certified?
Hiring your doula, and doing so on your terms, will make you feel comfortable and confident as you go into your labor and birth. Don’t be afraid to be a tough, professional, and dedicated pregnant mom; find the support you need and hire a professional!
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