How to Find your Doula
While this 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