What Should I Ask When Hiring My Birth Doula?
From a Doula
Deciding to hire a doula is an important decision.
For those of you who will be expanding your families or are currently pregnant welcome!
And I’m delighted that you’ve found my corner of Substack.
It is important, if you have a partner, that both of you establish a foundation for how both of you would like to be supported. When couples had hired me in the past, a point of contention arrived when the partner assumed that my role would absolve them of supporting their pregnant partner. Identifying why you want a doula is also important.
A birth doula is a nonmedical professional trained to offer educational, emotional, and physical support during pregnancy, labor, and the immediate postpartum period.
What is your philosophy on using medication for pain management?
Every doula is different, which stresses the importance of ensuring that the person you will be hiring is open to your needs for your birth.
How will you support me in incorporating my partner in the birthing process?
Listening to the doula’s answer allows you to decipher if the support methods they are suggesting, resonate. This is also your partner’s birthing experience.
Do you have a back-up doula? What is the process to connect with them?
When do you go on call for birth?
Each doula may run their doula practice differently but I have found that most go on call by 36 weeks with the understanding that babies come when they want. Asking if the doula you are interviewing has a back-up doula, will also inform you if (in the event of emergency) you will be supported.
How do you support clients before active labor* begins?
Communicating expectations before active labor starts is important. If you are envisioning phone checks in prior to active labor starting, and also texts but the doula prefers you to call when contractions reach a specific pattern you can see how this would lead to a communication breakdown. Asking this question ensures that your needs can be met and that your doula candidate will be able to communicate how they approach active labor support.
Bonus question!
What are the payment terms?
I get it. Talking about money can be uncomfortable but it is important to ensure that you can pay for the support that is being offered. If you cannot pay the deposit at the time the service agreement is signed, consider asking for a payment plan.
Remember- all bodies birth beautifully.
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