Considering a doula? Doula Speed Dating planned in Durham

I absolutely love this idea for expecting parents who are considering a doula for childbirth and the postpartum period.

During the event, birth and postpartum doulas from across the Triangle will be on hand so families can quickly and efficiently meet them all at once. In-person interviews with doulas are critical to picking the right one for each family.

“Finding someone who fits your family’s needs and goals, and who is a good personality match only happens through combing through websites and meeting with several doulas in-person,” Bull City Doula Ashley Collins said in a press release. “Our area has such a rich, diverse doula community that scheduling initial interviews and doing online research can take a lot of time away from a busy family’s already packed schedule.”

The event will feature doulas from a variety of backgrounds, trainings and experience levels. Doula comes from the ancient Greek word that means "a woman who serves." A doula, who is usually a woman, has received specialized training and experience in childbirth and the early postpartum period. They can offer non-medical support and advice to families.

Benefits of hiring a doula can include shorter labors, fewer interventions, fewer cesarean births, greater breastfeeding success and lower chances of developing postpartum depression, the release said.