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View Full Version : What Should I Ask A Potential Doula?




monkeybum
10-16-2006, 06:37 PM
Hi mammas, I am meeting with a wonderful woman to interview her to be my doula (labour and post-partum). (Okay, she seems wonderful so far on email). I'm trying to come up with my list of questions, and generally an idea of what to look for.

I want to "click" with her, obviously, and I want to feel I can trust her 110% b/c I will be doing a home birth with my DH not there until transition. So she will be my number one advocate and "watching out for me". I have a detailed birth plan.

She is an older woman, has been a doula for 9 years, teaches post partum doulas through CAPPA Canada, also teaches prenatal at a local college. She has 4 grandkids, she says she would normally come to the home before I am in active labour to ensure I stay focused and have support from the very beginning. She also provides breastfeeding support. As for post-partum, she will do light housework, laundry and meal preparation, she will also play with our 2 year old son (she has a 2 year old grandson she has 1 day/week). Her philosopy is that she is there to "mother the mother".

I have her fees. What else do I need to know/should I ask her? I am really hoping she is able to help with pain management. Should I ask her what her opinions are on hypnobirthing (I plan on using some techniques)? Is it appropriate to ask her to show me how she would help with pain management/massage? This was a HUGE help in labour #1.

Thanks!
Kathy.




Jilian
10-16-2006, 07:14 PM
Here are some questions I typically get asked:

ask if she has a back-up that will attend the birth if she can't make it
ask how long it will take her to get to you when you are in labor
ask if she will remain with you in the case of a cesarean
ask how long she'll stay with you after the birth
ask when she typically does her postpartum visit (if she does one)
ask her when payment is due
find out what happens if she misses the birth by fault of her own (do you get your $$ back?)

Thats all I can think of right now. I hope the meeting goes well!

monkeybum
10-19-2006, 09:33 PM
Thanks Jilian. Those are great, totally didn't think of that! :dizzy:

Anyone else think of anything I should ask?

Thanks guys!