If You're Using a Doula At Your Birth...

[Doula Dani]

Can I ask how you found her?

(I hope this is ok to post here mods- just let me know if this isn't).


I want to make sure I'm covering all of my bases and not missing any fabulous ideas.

[Doula Dani]

Oh, and also why you chose her if there's anything in particular.

[javilu]

My birth center has a volunteer doula program. I haven't decided yet if I will have one, and I don't think I will choose a specific one, but we'll see. I'm actually not entirely clear on what a doula is or what she does...

[MommaShark]

In CA there's a grant funded program under First Five called Bright Futures in Shasta County - their worker (a friend) told me about a volunteer Doula - the only one in the area....

[Doula Dani]

Originally Posted by puffnstuff

My birth center has a volunteer doula program. I haven't decided yet if I will have one, and I don't think I will choose a specific one, but we'll see. I'm actually not entirely clear on what a doula is or what she does...

A doula helps you cope through labor. Where a midwife or a doctor will help you with the clinical side of things, a doula is going to help you with the emotional side of things. She will assist you in preparing for the sort of birth you want to have and help you achieve it. I don't think I know anyone who regrets having one, and I think if you can get one for free I'd go for it!!!!

[TzippityDoulah]

well I didn't have a doula, I had a friend... but I am a doula so I'll answer from that prospective...

YOu can find doulas recommended through your local MDC tribe, local brithign circles or lists, and from other word of mouth. word of mouth is a great way I think! but don't rule out people who may not attend births as much as others, how often they attend isn't always indicative of how much they make your philosphy or needs ykwim?

once you have narrowed it down to a few, call them and set up interviews. and think it over. give it lots of thought. while she doesn't have to be exactly like you, you should feel comfortable and feel she is on board with helping you the way YOU desire. I mean so what it so and so thinks she was FABULOUS at her hospital birth... if you're having a UC. or what have you. ask lots of questions about the brith style you're taking and see if she matches that ideal.

[LorenaAZ]

I found an amazing doula in a breastfeeding seminar given by my local health department. She also happens to be my lactation consultant.

We're not sure yet if she will be with us during the birth, but so far her support, interest and encouragement (for us wanting an unassisted birth) has been unwavering. We'll meet with her next week again as she would like to give us advise on perineal massage, herbs to have on hand, and to go over a list of items to be ready for the birth.

You may also be able to get info on your local doulas from your ob/gyn, local hospital, or midwifery center.

[j_p_i]

I haven't chosen one yet, but I do plan on having a doula. So far my research has been online, though. I also plan on asking around seeing if anyone I know has any specific recommendations.

[Doula Dani]

I have a similar post over in the birth professionals section. I just want to be the best doula I can be and be easily found. I think my website is very easily found (I come up high on search engines), but I don't believe I've attended enough seminars, and I should probably go to LLL meetings. I was working outside of the home until recently, and so now I'm hoping to find more time to join in on those sort of things.

And btw- congratulations on all of your pregnancies!!! : What a fabulous time in your lives! I just love a pregnant woman (obviously).

[peainthepod]

Mine works as my midwife's assistant and will act as your birth doula for an additional fee. I feel really good about hiring her because we've been getting to know each other from the beginning. We're very lucky to have her. :

[leerypolyp]

In Philadelphia we have a little guide (Philadelphia Guide to a Healthy Birth) that comes out every year or so, and lists all kinds of practitioners -- doulas, CBEs, midwives, chiros, IBCLCs, peds, yoga classes, etc., along with a few articles about birth and breastfeeding and so on. That's been great -- it's available in midwives' offices, at LLL meetings, health food stores, local businesses.

I also used word of mouth and recommendations from friends, from midwives, etc. A website and email access really helps -- I hate making phone calls, so I like email contact to start out.

So the website is a good idea, but local networking is your friend! Even get to know other local doulas -- I called a bunch and none had availability, but all were willing to recommend other doulas.

[ainh]

I asked at my prenatal yoga class and they had a list of names

[BethSLP]

I attended the BIRTH fair here in Houston and there was a doula panel. : 3 doulas spoke, and I fell in love with one after hearing her talk about why she is a doula, etc.

Looking in your local tribe for recommendations is also good.

XOXO
B

[AnnR33]

I know my local baby wares shop has a list but I just got lucky.
A fellow karate mom and I were talking and she said she was a doula. I never thought I'd need her services but now that I do I'm choosing her because we "click" and I feel comfortable with her and her values.

[MomtoXane]

My OB had the local doula association poster in the bathroom lol...

[Hallielynn01]

What i've seen work, craigslist ads, many of the doulas in the area teach little seminars at Babiesrus, its a great way to introduce a more "mainstream" crowd to the concept, leave cards at birth centers, anywhere offering prenatal fitness, my yoga class is always discussion doulas.

BTW, I'm not sure if its int eh terms of use to list your website in your signature, I had to remove mine since I wasn't a paying advertiser. You might wanna check

One other place you could try is the local hosptials, if they offer water birth, some require a class, maybe you could meet the teacher and network that way. Just a thought. We have LOTS of doulas in my area and its hard to get your name out there! Websites really are a great tool as well!

[Doula Dani]

Originally Posted by Hallielynn01

What i've seen work, craigslist ads, many of the doulas in the area teach little seminars at Babiesrus, its a great way to introduce a more "mainstream" crowd to the concept, leave cards at birth centers, anywhere offering prenatal fitness, my yoga class is always discussion doulas.

BTW, I'm not sure if its int eh terms of use to list your website in your signature, I had to remove mine since I wasn't a paying advertiser. You might wanna check

One other place you could try is the local hosptials, if they offer water birth, some require a class, maybe you could meet the teacher and network that way. Just a thought. We have LOTS of doulas in my area and its hard to get your name out there! Websites really are a great tool as well!

I'm a paying advertiser

I tried craigslist and never got a single bite! Now all I get from craigslist is a bunch of people trying to get me to sign up on their free site! Drives me batty- I used to love craigslist!

[Hallielynn01]

I got a few weird emails, but what I did, don't know if its what you did or not, but I'll throw it out there, got me several clients in one week. I posted in the for sale, children/baby items, and used the word "Free" somewhere in my add, like free prenatal, free photo session, whatever you want, and got lots of hits because people search the word "free" don't know if that helps at all

[superflippy]

I live in a small town and there aren't many doulas in my area, so I used the DONA.org web site to find doulas in nearby cities. Having a baby due at the end of December, it wasn't easy to find someone who was available, but I finally did.

[herwitsend]

ALACE.org :

I preferred someone who was more my mom's age rather than a peer. It felt like what I needed during pregnancy and that instinct was right on during labor!