How to Choose the Right Doula for Yourself
In 2019, almost certainly any pregnant person with a smartphone and an Instagram account knows what a doula (a person who provides non-medical support for childbirth for latecomers) is. Dula can accompany pregnant women in the transformation process of pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. And there is evidence that a doula can provide both physical and emotional support, as well as a number of other benefits , some of which include less chance of caesarean section and higher satisfaction with overall birth experience.
However, choosing doulas is a big deal – they will be an important part of your support system at this critical time in your life. So how do you find and select the right doula?
Finding the doula
Obviously, the internet is the best place to start. You can perform a simple search for Dole at Google, as well as check DoulaMatch.net (national database Dole) or browse the catalogs of training institutions Dole, such as DONA International, , Sista Midwife or Doula Trainings International.
Word of mouth is one of the best ways to find potential doulas. You can get recommendations from friends, family, and even local parent Facebook groups. Sabia Wade , a full-spectrum doula, trainer and doula mentor based in San Diego, says she gets the vast majority of her clients through word of mouth and social media.
If you are attending obstetrics classes, you can ask the teacher about doula options in your area. Some midwives and midwives also have lists of local doulas or suggest specific ones they work with. If you trust and feel connected to your ISP, this might be a way to check some of the other names.
Things to Consider
Each doula is unique and brings its own personality, philosophy, energy and experience to the birthing room. You can decide if a doula is certified (although certification is not required to practice as a doula in any state), the number of years of practice, the number of births, specific training, further education, and other skills such as massage. or aromatherapy. Some families will also want to find a doula with similar backgrounds, views or beliefs.
If you’re a marginal person, says Wade, “gay, trans, colored, poly, disabled, be sure to hire someone who has some understanding of your experience. They don’t have to be exactly the same, but they should have an understanding and self-education of what your experience might be like. “
Find out what you like best about your pregnancy and childbirth and based on that, what criteria will matter when choosing the type of support you want. If you are planning a vaginal birth after a cesarean section, you may need someone who has supported many births with VBAC. Maybe you need a doula that also offers abdominal cast, postpartum meal preparation, or a breastfeeding consultant.
Price
Doulas can range from $ 200 (for students or inexperienced doulas) to $ 3,000 (for professional doulas in high cost of living areas such as Los Angeles or New York). Most doula packages range anywhere from $ 500 to $ 1,500 and include multiple antenatal and postnatal visits, weeks of on-call 24/7, continuous birth support, and other perks.
However, prospective families are often on a budget and cost can be an issue. Many doulas offer flexible payment plans, sliding scales, or even barter agreements with clients. Others work in partnerships, agencies, cooperatives, or other group practices, and these types of structures often have multiple payment options. Community doula groups can be funded through grants and charge a nominal fee.
Doula’s choice
Once you’ve identified a few doulas that interest you, start by doing an in-depth study of their websites and social media profiles. Feel what they are sharing, how they present themselves and the overall atmosphere they present to the world. Then, schedule interviews with those whose words and ideas speak to you.
You can talk on the phone or write a text message at first, but a face-to-face meeting (be sure to include your partner or other people who will be present at the birth) is vital to see if you are the right fit. Most doulas offer a free interview or consultation in a neutral location like a coffee shop. If that isn’t possible, try Skype or FaceTime. You can also attend a Doul Meet or Speed Doul Date event where you can hear the opinions of multiple doulas at the same time.
Be prepared for a personal transition – ask about qualifications and experience, of course, but don’t shy away and go deeper to see if there is a real connection. Freelance writer and parent Jenna Yonaitis says this aspect was a deciding factor for her during her pregnancy.
“I chose our valley because it seemed to me that she was listening to me,” says Yonaitis. “During our first conversation, she wanted to hear about me, my partner and our unborn child. She confirmed my feelings. Her spirit was warm and soothing – it seemed like this is what I would like during childbirth. “
Wade also suggests sharing your birth goals with the doula to make sure you agree. “Ask them:“ What do you think about this? What do you teach about this? If you have a doula who feels uncomfortable or insists on a particular method of giving birth, this is not your doula. ”
Go with your intuition
Interview at least a few doulas and then think about what kind of person you want at birth. This is someone you are likely to spend a significant amount of time with, someone who is likely to see you naked and vulnerable, crying and emotional, so you should completely trust them and feel comfortable with them.
After all, Wade says, trust your intuition.
“Dula should make you feel safe. They should make you feel like you’re not being judged, ”says Wade. “They need to make you feel like they are ready to support you in any way, no matter what you want to do or what might happen during your birth.”
And Yonaitis says that it is important to remember that this person will be there for one of the most difficult and important days of your life.
“Pick someone you feel connected to, someone you want to capture in your memories of your birth story,” says Yonaitis. “I really value our experience with Sarah. She was with us all the time. We will never forget her. “