Resources for Expecting Families

How to Find your Doula

While this list of resources for expecting families is by no means an exhaustive list, here are some helpful ideas to get you started

  • Start early! Keep in mind that doulas tend to book clients months in advance
  • It’s never too late! There is a doula for you, just keep reaching out
  • Try searching here on DASC, local doula registries, professional organizations, etc
  • We recommend contacting a few doulas before deciding 
  • Start with phone interviews
  • Schedule in-person interviews with your favorites at a location that makes you feel comfortable (your home, a local coffee shop, etc)

Tips for Interviewing a Doula

Finding the right doula is a deeply personal decision. Birth and the postpartum period can be emotional and highly vulnerable times and it’s important to ensure that everyone present helps family members -- especially the birthing person -- feel confident, calm, and safe. 

You may want to be prepared to talk about the following:

Business

  • Fees
  • Philosophies
  • Package options
  • Preferred contact hours
  • Contracts

Background

  • How they became a doula
  • Why you’re looking for a doula
  • Do they work with a backup/partner/team

Your Birth

  • How do you envision the birth experience
  • Are they willing/available to support you in your preferred birthing location
  • Do they have experience with your care provider (midwife, OB, hospital, birth center, etc)
  • When will they join you in labor
  • Birth doula’s favorite comfort measures/tools

Postpartum

  • Postpartum plan
  • Who will be with you postpartum
  • Talk about your postpartum support network
  • Feeding plans 
  • CPR certification