Looking for a birth doula and wondering how to get started? You'll find all kinds of checklists online that you could use to help you in your search; however, assembly line checklists don't tend to address the unique needs of the individual doing the searching.
In order to give the search for a doula the best shot, it's important for the prospective client to focus on what is important to her. Let's take a look at some essential aspects of selecting a doula.
1. Do you like the doula?
This question may seem a bit silly, but some women don't place the same weight on their level of connection with the doulas they are interviewing as they do on the quality of the doulas' testimonials and level of experience.
Many clients find their doulas via word-of-mouth, which is a great way to begin the search, but a friend's positive experience with a particular doula does not guarantee that you will have the same experience with that doula.
After each interview, make sure to ask yourself questions like these: Did I connect with the doula? Was I comfortable with her personality/manner? Did she seem caring? Was she sensitive to any concerns I may have expressed? Did she seem compassionate?
If you answer "no" to any of the above questions, you may wish to interview with others. If you don't find a suitable match at first, do not be discouraged. For every woman who values and wants a doula, there is a doula out there looking to serve someone just like her.
2. Do you feel that the doula respects your 'birth vision'?
This element is as important as the first. The interview is an ideal time for sharing a brief description of your birth plan/wishes with the doula. Listen carefully to her responses. Does she seem supportive? Is she excited for you? Is she enthusiastic about attending a home birth, for example, if you're planning for one?
3. How well did the doula engage with your partner?
Did the doula ask for your partner's input during the interview? Did she ask him if he had any questions for her? It's important for your partner to feel comfortable with the doula too!
4. Did you like the doula's answers to your questions?
The questions you ask the doulas you meet should depend on what's important to you. You can use standard questionnaires as a guide, but don't feel obligated to strictly adhere to them. You may very well wish to ask questions about her experiences, special certifications/qualifications and interests; address the areas that matter to you. It's important that you are comfortable with the answers.
5. Can you afford the doula?
Fee can be an important consideration for families. If you believe you've found the doula of your dreams, but are not sure how you'll manage to pay the bill, you may be surprised to find out that many doulas are happy to set up a payment plan to make paying their fees more manageable. It never hurts to ask!
Feel free to incorporate the questions above into your selection process if you're looking for a few points of focus that'll give you a good foundation for finding a great match!
Photo link
In order to give the search for a doula the best shot, it's important for the prospective client to focus on what is important to her. Let's take a look at some essential aspects of selecting a doula.
1. Do you like the doula?
This question may seem a bit silly, but some women don't place the same weight on their level of connection with the doulas they are interviewing as they do on the quality of the doulas' testimonials and level of experience.
Many clients find their doulas via word-of-mouth, which is a great way to begin the search, but a friend's positive experience with a particular doula does not guarantee that you will have the same experience with that doula.
After each interview, make sure to ask yourself questions like these: Did I connect with the doula? Was I comfortable with her personality/manner? Did she seem caring? Was she sensitive to any concerns I may have expressed? Did she seem compassionate?
If you answer "no" to any of the above questions, you may wish to interview with others. If you don't find a suitable match at first, do not be discouraged. For every woman who values and wants a doula, there is a doula out there looking to serve someone just like her.
2. Do you feel that the doula respects your 'birth vision'?
This element is as important as the first. The interview is an ideal time for sharing a brief description of your birth plan/wishes with the doula. Listen carefully to her responses. Does she seem supportive? Is she excited for you? Is she enthusiastic about attending a home birth, for example, if you're planning for one?
3. How well did the doula engage with your partner?
Did the doula ask for your partner's input during the interview? Did she ask him if he had any questions for her? It's important for your partner to feel comfortable with the doula too!
4. Did you like the doula's answers to your questions?
The questions you ask the doulas you meet should depend on what's important to you. You can use standard questionnaires as a guide, but don't feel obligated to strictly adhere to them. You may very well wish to ask questions about her experiences, special certifications/qualifications and interests; address the areas that matter to you. It's important that you are comfortable with the answers.
5. Can you afford the doula?
Fee can be an important consideration for families. If you believe you've found the doula of your dreams, but are not sure how you'll manage to pay the bill, you may be surprised to find out that many doulas are happy to set up a payment plan to make paying their fees more manageable. It never hurts to ask!
Feel free to incorporate the questions above into your selection process if you're looking for a few points of focus that'll give you a good foundation for finding a great match!
Photo link
