How to Choose a Birth Doula

This article will help you choose a birth doula.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Internet
• An open mind
• Phone and/or Email to contact potential doulas

1. Ask friends or relatives for a recommendation on a good labor/birth doula. Word of mouth is usually the best reference.
2. Ask your OBGYN if he or she knows of any good doulas. If they have worked with one imparticular and know how well they did, they are more likely to refer them.
3. Check out the websites listed below.
4. Interview the doulas. Email and phone calls are best at first, because you can get a feel for the doula without having to make a commitment. After you narrow your search down to two or three, you and your partner should arrange a face-to-face meeting to interview the doulas. Try to set up all of the interviews in one day, about one hour apart, to save time and money.
5. Ask your doula what her strengths and weaknesses (areas of growth) are.
   
   Ask her how she feels about the use of pain management during labor, and how she feels about epidurals (if you are open to getting one). You want your doula to be flexible, so even if she doesn't necessarily agree with certain pain management, she should be open minded about it all.
   
   Tell the potential doulas what your birth plan is. If you don't have one, your doula can help you create one after you hire her.
   
   Ask her what makes her stand above the rest, and what role she thinks she should play in the birth. Also ask how she will make sure your partner doesn't feel left out in the process.
6. After interviewing the doulas, choose the one you liked the best! Sometimes the better ones will be more expensive, but it's worth it. Some doulas have payment plans as well, so check with her before you hire her.
   
   Don't forget to check out the websites listed below. They will be VERY helpful in finding your doula!