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Step 1
Go to professional certification organizations such as DONA International (Formally Doulas of North America), CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association) and ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association). These organizations professionally certify postpartum doulas. Certification usually consists of classroom hours, research, possibly a test, essays and positive reviews from clients.
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Step 2
Contact your childbirth educator. The birthing community, in many cities, is relatively small, and many childbirth educators know postpartum doulas in your area.
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Step 3
Talk to your friends and family members that have recently had a baby. Chances are, one of them used a postpartum doula or know of one.
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Step 4
Check online or in the phone book for a local group of doulas. Many cities now have groups of doulas who have banded together to make advertising cheaper and networking easier. Many of these groups now admit postpartum doulas in addition to labor doulas.
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Step 5
Speak to your birthing facility. Perhaps your midwife, OB/GYN or nurse knows of a postpartum doula. They may even have brochures for postpartum doula businesses they can give you. If you used a labor doula, she may also be a postpartum doula or know of one.
