doula?

[delaneymom]

Are any of you planning, or have you had a doula in the past? How do you go about finding one that you'll work well with-what kinds of questions do you ask?

[doulanichole]

I am a doula (not practicing) and midwifery apprentice and could not imagine not having a doula present for my birth. This will be baby #5 and all but my first were born with a doula for support. I have a super fantastic, supportive husband that would rival any woman I know as far as pregnancy and birth info go, but I like having a doula and so does he.

As far as how to find one, you can go to any or all of the certifying organizations websites and contact all that are listed in your area. Many areas now have local birth networks where you can find local doula info (the Lamaze site will list many of them www.lamaze.org, Normal Birth). Interview as many as you want to until you feel like you have found someone that you look forward to working with, not just someone that is "good enough" or simply available. You have enough time where no matter who you find they should have some availability. You can find sample questions on the DONA site at www.dona.org. HTH and good luck!

[cicely_m]

Nichole, do you feel slighted or hurt when mothers interview you and then go with someone else?

[doulanichole]

I already tried to type this once, so we'll see if it works this time.

No, I wouldn't (don't) feel bad if I interview and am not hired. I really want clients to feel excited about their doula choice and if I'm not the right person for that, then that's fine. I, along with so many other doulas, really believe we will be at the births we are supposed to be at. It is one of the most important times in a family's life and they should have people around them that make them feel most comfortable. I really can't imagine being offended by someone choosing another doula.

[alisaparrent]

I second that!! As a doula myself.....I always encourage my clients to interview others. It's so important that you feel a "connection" with your doula, so if it's not me.....I 100% understand and would never take offense. Most doulas do not do this job for the money, but because they truly have a passion for women having the birth of their dreams!!

I can't imagine a birth without a doula, especially if you are having a hospital birth! They are priceless!!! Best of luck and feel free to ask any questions~

Alisa

[cherona]

I'm also considering a doula for the first time (having baby #4). I was wondering if you need to hire a midwife/ doula team or hire each individually. I'm not quite sure I understand the role each would play, like who would do what at the birth.

I would like a homebirth but I'm not sure I can talk DH into that so would settle for a birth center (previously delivered in the hospital with an OB). Any advice would be greatly appreciated!

-Cheri

[jerawo]

I'm in the process of certifying to be a doula, and I absolutely would have one if I was having a birth in a hospital, even with a midwife. I think it's up to you if you are having a homebirth. With my homebirth, I decided not to have one, and in retrospect there wouldn't have been enough time for her to show up anyway. If my birth had been longer and/or harder, I probably would have appreciated having a doula.

[doulanichole]

Doulas do nothing medical or at least ones certified through most orgs. We do not do vaginal exams, blood pressure checks, listen to fetal hearttones, etc. We are in addition to your birth team - OB, MW, dh, etc. and provide suggestions and comfort measures throughout pregnancy, labor, birth and in the initial postpartum period. In our area, you would hire a doula and midwife separately, but I guess in other areas there are some that often work together. In a hospital situation, I would be VERY cautious of a doula listed on a careproviders "preferred" list.

I would absolutely choose to have a doula for my homebirth, but our local situation is not good for midwives so in case of a transport, it would be more difficult for a midwife to walk into the hospital. The idea of having consistent support in that scenario is really appealing to me. Additionally, because we play different roles, many hb mw's enjoy having us at their births because it frees them up to focus on more of the medical tasks....listening to baby, etc. and even the not so medical stuff like taking a nap.

Looks like we have several doulas in our little group!

[Foodie]

I'm having a doula. This is my first pregnancy and I will be delivering in a hospital. I met her through a friend so I didn't go through an interview process. We just clicked and have similar birth philosophies so I hired her. We decided to hire a doula because we wanted someone who was knowledgeable about birth/labour to be present at all times during my labour and delivery. I thought it was too much pressure for my husband to have to be the only support person. I also want to labour at home for as long as possible and thought a doula would be great to help with that.

[smokeylo]

I'm hiring a doula for my homebirth. I think doulas should be required! I think they really help partners especially, and just having a face there that you know really well who is with you from start to finish is amazingly comforting. I know my doula will be a huge asset to my birth.

[delaneymom]

Thanks for all the great feedback and information. We're definitley planning to have one-it's just a matter of finding the right one!

[smokeylo]

Originally Posted by delaneymom

Thanks for all the great feedback and information. We're definitley planning to have one-it's just a matter of finding the right one!

There are websites with good "questions to ask your doula" and a few books (the Doula Advantage by Rachel Gurevich is a good one). I would start by looking at listings on certification websites such as dona.org, cappa.net, and bellywomen.net and email some local doulas asking for some info. It's good to get references to call and find out their price range. Meet them and pick someone you feel comfortable with.