Many women choose to use a doula for fertility, birth, or postpartum. But searching for one can be overwhelming. There are dozens of doulas in the Columbia area, many of which are excellent at what they do. As you start your search for the perfect doula, there are a few things to know.
I have served as a full spectrum doula for three years, and have served the Columbia area for a little over a year. When meeting new families, I always tell them to interview multiple doulas before choosing the one they decide to work with. Choosing a doula is like choosing a realtor or a dentist. You have to make sure you are the right fit and will work well together.
No matter the situation, choosing a doula is a very intimate act. This person will be on a very special journey with you and your partner. This is not a choice you should take lightly.
While what matters to one may not matter to others, here are some helpful questions to add to your list when choosing a doula.
1. Are you a certified doula?
This is one of those questions where it may matter to some and not others. It isn’t a “bad” thing if a doula isn’t certified. Certification requires taking hours of coursework, attending births, and most require a CPR certification. But these courses are usually very expensive and not affordable to everyone. So if someone isn’t certified, I wouldn’t automatically count them out if they have the experience to back up their services.
2. Why did you choose to become a doula?
Most doulas didn’t choose this work for money, but because they are genuinely passionate about maternal health. I think this is a very insightful question and will help you get to know the person behind the business.
3. What is your approach?
Doulas all have different ways they approach the work that they do. Some are more traditional and others may have a cultural or religious approach. This is important to know so that your doula is understanding of your beliefs and your own culture. A doula may even ask you about your beliefs or feelings regarding certain things so that they know how to best serve you as your doula.
4. How many clients do you take on at a time?
This will be different for each doula but I have found that this matters to clients. They want to ensure they receive the best care possible, which they should. I personally only take on two clients who are due in the same month. That allows me to give them the quality time and care they will need as they approach their due date.
5. What do your services include?
Don’t forget this question! Some doulas are very “hands-off” and may only check in once in a while until they are needed. Some clients prefer this (this is why taking the time to understand your potential doula is so important!). Some clients prefer someone who is more hands-on, and who they can shoot a text to at any time of the day. Find out if your doula includes things like prenatal meetings, email or text support, monthly check-ins, etc. You may want your doula to not only be your labor and birth doula but also your postpartum doula, so it would be important to find someone who is able to provide both of those services.
Some other services to think about are cord encapsulation, photography or videography, prenatal yoga, and childbirth classes. If your chosen doula doesn’t offer these services, they may have a list of those that do and can refer you.
And if you are choosing a postpartum doula, you may want to know if they work overnight and do things like light housekeeping, for example.
6. Do you work in hospitals, birth centers, or do home births?
There are some doulas that only do homebirths and there are some who only work in hospitals or birth centers. It would be a great question to ask if your doula doesn’t state this during your consultation. You will want to be prepared to find the right doula for whichever location you choose to birth.
Some Additional Things to Consider
Be sure to read over your client contract thoroughly. Some key things to look out for are when you are expected to pay your doula (prior to the birth or over time until it’s paid off), what happens if they can’t make the birth (ensure they have a backup and do you get any money back), and what protections are put in place legally for you and the doula.
Choosing your doula is not a decision to take lightly. I have attended birthday parties, christenings and dedications, weddings, and lunch dates with my clients and their families long after I have helped them because the relationship is not just a business relationship, but a personal one.
I don’t suggest interviewing more than three doulas so take your time to check out their Facebook pages or websites and look for reviews and feedback from those they have worked with. In the Columbia area, there is a Facebook group for midwives, doulas, and prospective clients worth checking out.
Having a doula can truly change your fertility, birth, and postpartum experience. Best of luck in your search for the right doula for your family!
