Five Questions: Hiring a birth doula
Hiring a doula is a decision that comes from your gut. You'll be spending very intimate time with this person, so be sure you're comfortable around them.
Posted — UpdatedA doula should never attempt to replace your partner. Instead, she will work along side of them, providing an additional layer of support for you and care for you both during birth. Ask for examples of how she will involve your partner or other family members or how she might work with them to ensure you feel supported in every way. Likewise, professional doulas have experience with most of the area’s hospitals and practices. Making sure any doula you’re considering is familiar with your hospital or birth center’s procedures and location will be a big advantage on your Big Day. Plus, if she’s knowledgeable about your provider’s common practices, she may be able to offer insight or prompt you to ask questions of your care, ensuring that there are no surprises on your baby’s birthday.
Due dates are a fickle business. Most moms will not go into labor on their due date. In fact, lots of moms give birth well before or well after that date! So, instead of asking if your doula has other clients due on the same day as you, ask what her back-up plan is. Even if your doula had no other clients, she could get sick or have a family emergency. Knowing who your doula uses as a back-up and that she has a solid plan in place should she ever need to use a back-up is very important! Again, no surprises on your Birthing Day!
Birth never goes according to anyone’s plan, except for your baby’s. Helping mothers and their partners adjust to the inevitable twists and turns of the experience, a doula helps you remain an advocate for yourself and your birth goals. Get a feel for how the doula you’re interviewing might respond to change or unexpected interventions (especially if it’s one she may not personally agree with) and see if it will jive with what you’ll need emotionally. Birth is a really vulnerable time in your life, you deserve to be cared for with kindness, and you should never feel judged or shamed for your decisions.
There are so many different certifying organizations and specialties for doulas. Ask her to describe her training and why she chose that organization. Likewise, ask your doula about any opportunities she’s had to enrich her basic training through advance courses or continuing education opportunities. From rebozo work to massage techniques, bereavement services to mindfulness and meditation workshops, these advanced trainings are where doulas can set themselves apart in their interests and experience.
• Credits
Copyright 2024 by Capitol Broadcasting Company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.