A doula is a woman who acts as an attendant or helper to a woman during childbirth or after her baby is born. Doulas are often distinguished by the titles birth doula and postpartum doula. The birth doula can help the expecting mother and her partner understand their options as they prepare for the birth of the child. She will also join with the partner and other family in taking care of the mother during the delivery of the baby. The postpartum doula will provide support to the family as they adjust to having a new baby at home. She can help mom learn how to take care of the child, teach techniques to keep mom and baby comfortable and relaxed during breastfeeding, and provide emotional support to parents and other children in the household.
There are many listings of doulas online that allow you to enter your city to locate women who are certified as birth doulas, postpartum doulas, or both. Doulas of North America (DONA) is one of many organizations that provides doula certifications. The first step in finding the right doula is making sure the woman you select is properly trained and able to provide the care you want and need.
Consider these basic questions when interviewing doulas:
• What training do you have? Are you certified by any organizations?
• Do you have backup doulas available in case you are not available when I go into labor? Can I meet with her/them in advance?
• What do you charge, what is included in the fee, and do you have a refund policy?
• Can you provide references that we can contact?
Consider these questions for potential birth doulas:
• What is your experience as a birth doula?
• What is your philosophy about being a doula? What is your main focus or goal during delivery?
• Can we contact you with questions prior to the day of delivery? Will you help us make our plan for the delivery?
• When will we see you on delivery day? Will you come to the house early in labor or meet us at the hospital?
• Will you follow up with us or can we call you with questions after the baby is born?
Consider these questions for possible postpartum doulas:
• What is your experience as a postpartum doula?
• What is your philosophy about parenting and your role with our family as a postpartum doula?
• Can we contact you or meet with you prior to the day of delivery?
• When do you begin working with us after the birth?
• Can you confirm that you have had a background check done, and that you have been tested for TB and have a current CPR certification?
Many doulas can be privately hired by individual families. Others work directly for hospitals or are volunteers in hospitals or community programs. Doulas are often paid a flat rate that can be negotiated at the time of hiring. Be sure to specify what contact you want with your doula before the day of delivery and at what point in your labor you want her to join you, whether that is at home, at the doors of the hospital, or after you have reached a certain point in your labor.
Before choosing your doula, it is important that you and your partner meet with potential candidates to make sure you are both comfortable with her. Consider her compatibility with your family style and with your household. If your family tends to be quiet, someone outgoing and enthusiastic may seem overpowering when your energy is low. Think about how well she communicates and what warmth and kindness you sense from her. Consider whether she seems comfortable with your plan or if she believes she knows a better way to do things.
You will probably want to interview more than one doula to be sure you are comfortable with your choice. Someone who has great experience but who does not make you comfortable will not be able to provide the best possible care when it’s time for your baby to be delivered.
Further reading:
• What is a Birth Doula?
• What is a Postpartum Doula?
• What You Need to Know to Become a Doula
Sources:
DONA International
American Pregnancy Association
The Journal of Perinatal Education>
Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association
International Childbirth Education Association