Performance evaluations

[sheilajolene]

I have to do a performance evaluation for my doula, who is in the process of getting her certification... l am looking for advice on how much information I should put down. She did an excellent job and I will definitely let that be known... but it asks for her techniques and how she helped. How specific am I supposed to get? I don't want to get too wordy, but on the other hand I am afraid to not say enough...

I feel like I'm back in school and I'm getting graded on this. I hated writing for other people to read!

[happyartmama]

I'm not sure what organization your doula is getting certified through, but chances are they're looking for specifics on the doula "tools" that she may have used. For example, relaxation techniques/imagery/words, etc; affirmations, encouragement, positive feedback to you; knowledge (did she suggest position changes, explain procedures or statements given by your caregiver, etc.); comfort techniques (massage, light touch, cool washcloths, counter pressure for back pain), and scope of service (did she come for prenatal appointments, help you devleop a birth plan, stay after birth to assist in establishing breastfeeding, come for a postpartum visit, etc.

I wouldn't worry about being too wordy; sometimes clients have the best intentions of completing an evaluation but just get too busy with new parenthood. If you're going to take the time to do it, I'm sure your doula will greatly appreciate what you have to say and giving her certifying organization specifics to evaluate her skills. Good luck!

[sheilajolene]

Thank you so much for responding...

Do I need to put all this with specific examples, or can I just say that she did these things for me? I feel like I have written too much, but I suppose it's better to say too much than too little.

[happyartmama]

I think it would be enough to list the things, not necessarily a specific example for each one, unless there was something that really stands out for you. i.e., one client I had said she didn't know how she would have made it through without the almost constant back counter pressure to relieve some pain (her baby was posterior). I'm sure your doula appreciates the time you're taking.

[JunipersMom]

You could also offer contact information in case they need more information.