Choosing a Doula
- labelladoula
- Aug 6, 2019
- 3 min read
“A doula is a professional trained in childbirth who provides emotional, physical, and educational support to a mother who is expecting, is experiencing labor, or has recently given birth” (Americanpregnancy.org, 2018).
There are countless articles and stories available that describe the role of a doula in greater detail, so I won’t rehash that. But, in case you are not all too familiar or want to refresh your memory, here are a couple helpful links (in both video and written format):
Other than your provider, your doula is to be your right-hand when it gets closer for you to deliver and immediately in the postpartum period. Your doula is your go-to person for physical, educational, and emotional support throughout your pregnancy. Studies prove that having a doula with you during labor and birth can lead to shorter labors, less medical interventions, higher birth satisfaction, decreased chance of C-section delivery, and reduced stress and anxiety during birth.
One of the highlights of having a doula is the focused attention and support, specifically for you. Often times with medical providers, they are on time constraints or not necessarily fully tuned into your wants/needs. A doula solves this problem by paying extra attention to your preferences, fears, and expectations as well as those of your birth partner’s, with the end goal being a safe, empowering birth experience. As you interview and meet with doulas, you’ll be able to feel each other out and gauge how the doula may be able to support you whilst in labor. A great doula is anticipatory – meaning she is prepared with information or spends her time away from you researching topics and techniques that will benefit you throughout your pregnancy. Do not overlook the importance of having a doula who values having an extensive knowledge bank. This is where she will draw all of her information from while she is helping you.
If you feel that you would like to have a doula as a supportive person during your labor, start looking into your local options. Check with your provider or facilities for recommendations. If you’re not having any luck, reach out to friends or join Parenting groups for suggestions. In this day and age, it’s as simple as reaching out for help on social media. Keep interviewing until you find a keeper!
When should you hire a doula?
The type of doula you will require will depend on where you are at in your pregnancy journey.
- Antepartum (recommended for high-risk)
- Birth/labor
- Postpartum
- End-of-life/EOL
- Virtual (offers long-distance services)
Note: Some doulas can serve as more than one type.
There is no definitive timeline for hiring a doula, but you want one toward the end of your second trimester. This means you have already done your interviewing and carefully made your selection. By the 35-week mark, you’ll have chosen your provider and have hopefully started making your birth plan. If not, your doula certainly can help you in this regard.
When you're trying to select a doula, there are traits to look for that will make it more likely for you to pick someone who’s compatible.
When looking at potential doulas, look for:
How long has she been a doula?
What type of doula is she?
Birth philosophy? (Why did she become a doula?)
Special services offered? (ie., placenta encapsulation,
Is a backup doula available? – in the event that your doula is unable to attend your labor, you’ll want a backup option
Is she willing to come to prenatal visits?
What is her on-call policy?
How long does she stay at a birth?
How long after labor does he/she stay?
Is he/she certified?
Number of attended births?
Does she have a website, Facebook, or Instagram for more information? If not, references?
Any postpartum services offered? – link to postpartum doula benefits
How comfortable does he/she make you feel?
How accessible is he/she?
Does the doula have other clients?
What pain-relief techniques are used?
Is the doula skilled in handling high-risk pregnancies? Pregnancies with health complications?
Is breastfeeding support offered?
How does the doula incorporate family & partner?
Are there any types of births the doula will not attend?
Does the doula listen to your needs/wants?
What are the doula’s fees? What forms of payment are accepted?
Is she available around your due date and does she have other clients also due?
Do not get discouraged if it takes you a couple meetings before you find your perfect doula.
Hopefully when you meet with your potentials, you’ll take some notes that you can later to that will help you narrow down your choices. Once you’ve found your match, be clear in letting the doulas know who was chosen and you’ll be on your way to starting your on boarding process with your new doula!
Sources: Childbirth Connection, Americanpregnancy.org
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