[Submitted Question]

I would really like to have a doula present when I have my first baby in four months. However, I have no idea how to find one. Also, how do I decide which doula is right for me? What are good things to ask a prospective doula?

[WombToBloom]

First, talk to your healthcare provider and ask her for recommendations or referrals to doulas she knows or has worked with. Another place to ask is at the birthing center or hospital you’ve chosen. The labor and delivery nurses there have probably worked with many different doulas and might be willing to give you a few names of people they respect. As far as picking the right doula after you get those names, you’ll just need to talk with them.

Ask her about her training and experience. Is she certified? How many births has attended? Has she worked with your doctor or midwife before? Will she attend to you as you labor at home before you head to the hospital? What is her fee? What is her complete list of services? Does she have references for you to contact? What are her thoughts on pharmaceutical pain relief? Does she have a back-up in the event that she is unavailable when you go into labor?

Think about your priorities and ideas about childbirth beforehand so that you can find someone whose priorities are in line with yours. Find someone you are really comfortable with – for some, that’s a “friend”-type person but for others, it may be an older, very experienced, more maternal person. This is someone who will help you through a difficult day in a very emotionally and physically intense situation. You don’t want someone there with you who you are not 100% comfortable with.

[journeybirth]

There is a list of questions to ask a doula to get you started here:
DONA International – How to hire a doula

[FirstConnections]

There is also a fairly new site out there called doualmatch.com that may be helpful.

[doulamegan]

The site is doulamatch.net. It is a new and growing directory.

Also, you could check out Doulas of North America for a list of DONA certified doulas in your area. There may be other certifying orgs in your area that you could contact for referrals as well.

[WombToBloom]

These are both great resources but let us not forget our growing directory right here on Womb to Bloom. While new, the intention is to make it one of the most comprehensive out there.

[DoulaJamie]

All of the above are great answers....what I can add is go with your gut!!...It will never steer you wrong...you will know the instant that you meet her if she is the one or not....Doula's have a very unique personality..you will know her when you meet her!!!.....

you can also check www.martenitywise.com for your area....

[doularena]

Like Jamie, trust your instincts.

Interview or meet with as many doulas as you have time for. Here in Southern CA, we have over 200 doulas, each one offering something unique. And you owe it to yourself to have that uniqueness for your birth.

Things to consider: What is your budget? Do you want a Sister, Mother, Grandmother figure? Are they familiar with your birthing facility or care provider - if so she can guide you well. Do they offer other services that also interst you, like Postpartum care, Breastfeeding support, do they teach other classes that you are considering like Childbirth Preparation or Happiest Baby on the Block.

Good luck!

Rena' Koerner
Integrative Childbirth: Doula Services in Lakewood, Long Beach and Orange/LA County

[Nicolexx]

It will be beneficial to anybody who utilizes it, including me. Keep up the good work.

[TeraMashu]

I found my doula at 33 weeks into my first pregnancy and it was MAGNIFICENT. Doulas are a laboring woman's godsend. I could not have had my amazing natural birth without my doula.



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