How to Hire a Birth Doula: Your Quick Reference Guide
Are you looking for a way to feel more empowered and supported during childbirth? A birth doula can be your partner in labor, providing emotional support, practical advice, and physical comfort throughout your birthing journey (for both you and your parenting partner).
Birth doulas are considered ‘generalist’ with specific training offering support during birth and operate on these guiding principles:
Client-centered care: Prioritize the woman or birthing person’s wishes and respecting their decisions.
Informed support: Provide evidence-based information regarding labor and comfort techniques.
Physical comfort measures: Assisting with relaxation techniques and other comfort methods.
Collaboration: Work with healthcare providers to ensure a positive birth experience.
Confidentiality: Maintain privacy regarding mom or the birthing person's experience.
Emotional support: create a safe space so mom or birthing person can freely express their emotions and concerns.
Physical Support: Be present during labor to offer constant emotional and physical support.
Here's a quick guide to help you find the perfect birth doula for your family:
Questions to Ask a Birth Doula
What’s your rate or fee structure and what’s included (note: all doulas are different, and many offer sliding scales)
What if we we end up not working out later on. What’s your refund policy?
What other services do you offer?
Have you had a criminal background check?
What about TB test or current CPR certification?
Are there any limits to your services?
Do you have code of ethics you go by?
What to Look for in a Birth Doula
Experience: How many births has the doula attended? Do they have experience supporting mothers with similar needs to yours?
Certifications: Is the doula certified by a reputable organization, such as DONA International (where Ruth got her certification)?
Philosophy: Does the doula's philosophy align with your own? Are they supportive of your desired birth plan?
Availability: Does the doula's schedule align with your expected due date? Will they be available to attend your birth?
Personality Fit: Do you feel comfortable and connected with the doula? It's important to choose someone you feel you can trust and open up to.
Tips for Hiring a Birth Doula
Start Early: It's best to start your search for a doula early in your second trimester. This will give you plenty of time to find the right person and schedule your services.
Interview Potential Doulas: Schedule interviews with several doulas to get a feel for their personalities and approach to their work. Ask about their experience, certifications, and philosophy.
Trust Your Gut: At the end of the day, the most important thing is to choose a doula who you feel comfortable and connected with. Trust your instincts and go with your gut.
Be Open: Be upfront and straightforward about any current or prior medical conditions you have.
What to Expect from a Birth Doula
Emotional Support: Your doula will provide emotional support, encouragement, and reassurance throughout labor.
Practical Advice: They can offer practical advice on breathing techniques, positioning, and relaxation.
Physical Comfort: Your doula can provide massage, counterpressure, and other comfort measures during labor.
Advocacy: If you have a specific birth plan, your doula can advocate for your wishes and ensure your voice is heard.
What Birth Doulas don’t do
Judge the mom or birthing person, their family members or friends
Diagnose conditions in the mom, birthing people, their family and friends
Overstep their boundaries
Perform clinical or medical tasks
If you want to hire a birth doula the first process is an initial call to share about yourself and to get a general feel if the doula. The next would be an interview, scheduled face to face time to allow for more questions. Once you’ve decided to hire a birth doula let them know right away. Then next, you’ll schedule your first prenatal appointment to begin your journey together. Your prenatal visit will be in home and can range anywhere from two to four hours. The doula will walk through their contract outlining their services and fees. Make sure you have all your questions ready so you can cover a lot of ground during the visit. Having your partner included during the prenatal visits will help them get a feel for the doula and their role during birth.
Use this time to go over any and everything you’re heard and/or read as well as come up with a birth plan – we like to call them birth wishes. Your doula in turn will walk you through her role and what to expect in the hospital. If you’re considering a birth know that it may take time. To avoid feeling stressed or rushed, don’t wait too long before starting the search.
What do you think? Will you use a birth doula? Drop any questions in the comments and our founder (and Doula) Ruth is happy to help!
Looking for more advice for new parents? Take a peek at the latest stories on CODDLE’s blog for plenty of helpful articles.on postpartum, pregnancy, breastfeeding and parenting.