What is a Doula
A doula fills in the gaps between you and the rest of your care team. We help support you within these 5 pillars of support: Emotional Support, Physical Support, Information/advocacy, Partner and Family Support, and Preserving the Memory.
When we work within the boundaries of these 5 pillars we can help cover the gaps within modern medicine. Because your doctor and nurses are primarily focused on you and your baby's health and wellness, it can feel like the intimate care is slightly lacking. This is where a doula who is a non-clinical support person can truly help. We can use the information that the clinical team shares with everyone, and put it to use in position changes for you during labor, comfort modalities to help you during pregnancy, and educational support to help you, your partner and your family understand the options that you have available.
An excellent doula works within these parameters, supporting you and your partner, and balancing communication, and is a valued member of the care team at any hospital.
Questions
When picking a doula you know a few different things that can make sure that you are getting the right doula for you.
- What is your experience level?
- Do you work with my hospital/doctor?
- What doula support packages do you offer?
- Do you have a specialty/additional training or certifications?
- Who is your back up?
- How many clients do you work with? *Client load varies by doula, however we all work with solid back up to protect continuity of care.
I would also recommend being ready to have some questions asked of you and your partner. This will be a two way interview. You may love the doula, but there may be something that doesn’t work for her.
Questions that you could be asked:
- What kind of birth support are you looking for?
- What are your current goals for birth (i.e. home birth, birth center, hospital)?
- Do you have any personal beliefs that you are hoping the doula can join you in supporting you through? (i.e. Prayers, chants, meditations)
- What kind of family support do you have, and how will you expect the doula to integrate into that? (Some folks need us to help manage family, and some expect some sibling support during labor/birth)
Setting up interviews
You can set up interviews with multiple doulas. You can do this in person, or via a video chat. I personally really like the in person option. At Kooshlie Care, we have a home office, so I generally will offer to host in-person meetings here. You can set up a meeting at your favorite coffee shop, library or park. And have each doula you are hoping to interview come at different 30 minute time-frames. In every area we generally know each other and it is a playful competition when we know that we are interviewing with the same potential client.
Post interview
I highly recommend that you and your partner take a few minutes after the interview to discuss what you loved and what you could do without in regards to each doula. It is a very personal thing that you are inviting this person to join you for. So you should EACH be comfortable with the selection. You may love the doula, but their voice or personality is slightly grating to your partner. Ultimately this would not be a good fit.
I am personally confident that I can walk into any birth and do an amazing job at support, but I also know that I am NOT the doula for every potential client that I meet.
What to expect with a contract
Each contract will cover labor and birth support, some prenatal appointments, birth plan building, and postpartum support.
You can negotiate within your contract, doulas generally have packages that you can select from regarding the contracts.
For example my general contract covers 1-3 prenatal visits, 15 hours of face to face labor and birth support, and 1 postpartum follow up. There are other packages available with more or less pre and post support depending on your needs.
Where to find doulas
Start at your local health food store. JUST KIDDING!! A local search should give you a good list of doulas to reach out to. At Kooshlie Care we host a monthly in person meeting, Kooshlie Connections where you can learn more about our doulas and style of support. You can hire any of the doulas listed on our team page, and have the assurance, that if backup is needed that one of the doulas in our group will be there to relieve your doula or cover your birth in the event that is needed.
