Hiring a Doula: Your TOP questions (Part 1)
Feb 17, 2023
In our years of experience as doulas, one thing is very clear: those who decide to hire a doula don’t take this decision lightly. After all, it’s an important investment in your pregnancy and birth experience! This means you might have a lot of questions swimming around in your head when it comes to hiring a doula and making sure you find the right fit. And we have answers! In this two-part series, we’ll cover the top questions we’ve received from clients when it comes to hiring a doula.
First, let's identify what a doula is.
What is a doula?
A doula is a trained professional who specializes in offering emotional, physical, and informational support to expectant mothers throughout their childbirth journey, from prenatal preparation to postpartum recovery. The term "doula" originates from a Greek word meaning "a woman who serves," highlighting their role in providing comprehensive care and support. Unlike medical professionals, doulas work alongside healthcare teams to advocate for the mother's wishes, ensuring her preferences and needs are respected and met during labor and delivery.
The primary role of a doula encompasses various forms of support aimed at making the childbirth experience as positive and empowering as possible. Doulas assist in creating a birth plan tailored to the mother's desires, provide comfort measures and coping strategies during labor, and offer guidance on breastfeeding and emotional well-being after the baby is born. They are a constant source of emotional and physical support, helping to alleviate fears and anxieties associated with childbirth.
Moreover, doulas serve as invaluable resources for evidence-based information on all aspects of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care, empowering expectant mothers to make informed decisions regarding their care. It's important to note that there are different types of doulas, including those who focus exclusively on the birthing process, known as birth doulas, and others who specialize in postpartum support, offering services related to breastfeeding and newborn care. This specialization allows families to choose a doula that best fits their specific needs and preferences, ensuring personalized and focused support throughout this significant life event. For example, the postpartum doula's role is to provide you with support, especially emotional, on issues related to breastfeeding and baby care.
Now, let's dive into the top questions about hiring a doula.
Questions About Hiring a Doula
Today, we are providing answers to some of your main inquiries about hiring a doula. Keep reading for the details you seek.
Why should I consider hiring a doula?
The benefits of hiring a doula for childbirth are compelling and supported by research. Studies indicate that the presence of a doula can significantly enhance the birthing experience, leading to more positive outcomes. These include shorter labor durations, a reduction in the need for medical interventions like epidurals or cesarean sections, and an increase in overall satisfaction with the birth process. Doulas offer unwavering physical and emotional support throughout labor, fostering a serene and supportive environment. They also serve as advocates for the birthing mother's preferences, ensuring that her wishes are respected during this critical time. The continuous support provided by doulas is instrumental in helping birthing individuals feel more empowered, calm, and confident throughout their childbirth journey.
When should I start looking for a doula?
It is recommended to start looking for a doula around your second trimester, although some doulas may be booked up earlier. This allows you enough time to research and interview potential doulas before making a decision. It's important to find someone who you connect with and trust, as they will be supporting you during one of the most intimate and emotional experiences of your life.
How do I find a qualified doula near me?
There are various ways to find a qualified doula in your area. You can ask for recommendations from friends or family members who have used a doula before, or ask your healthcare provider for a referral. There are also online directories and databases that list certified doulas in your area. It's important to do some research and schedule interviews with potential doulas to find the best fit for you and your birth plan.
How do I choose the right doula for me?
When choosing a doula, it's important to consider their experience, training, and personality. Ask about their experience attending births similar to yours, their training and certifications, and any additional services they offer such as prenatal or postpartum support. You should also consider whether their personality meshes well with yours and if you feel comfortable having them by your side during labor.
What are the benefits of hiring a doula?
Research has shown continuous labor support with a birth doula is risk-free and highly effective. Here are some of the evidence-based reasons that could influence your decision to get a birth doula.
Strong Evidence-Based Support for Doula Use
Credible long-standing research supports the use of doulas for continuous labor and physical support.
A professional not related to the patient has incredibly powerful benefits such as:
More likely to have a vaginal birth
Less likely to have pain medication
Less negative feelings about their birth
Shorter labors
Less complications at birth
One important study also showed a marked decrease in cesareans when a doula is added to the labor partner:
25% cesarean rate with a partner lowered to a 13% cesarean rate with a partner AND A DOULA.
In the case of a labor induction the results were even more incredible:
59% cesarean rate with partner alone lowered to a 13% cesarean rate with a partner AND A DOULA!
So, if you ask us, hiring a doula, if at all possible, is an easy decision.
What they do on paper is nothing compared to the impressive benefits you will feel simply upon hiring one!
Clients report feeling so much better even just having signed the paperwork. And it only gets better from there!
You have someone who has no agenda except to support, inform, and champion you from that moment on. This includes 24/7 communication with your doula to get information on anything that may come up or any worry you may be having.
How much does a doula cost?
The cost of hiring a doula can indeed range widely, from approximately $500 to $2000, influenced by factors such as geographical location, the doula's level of experience, and the breadth of services offered. While the initial figure might appear substantial, it's essential to consider the profound value and unparalleled support a doula brings to your childbirth journey. A doula's presence can transform your birth experience, offering personalized emotional, physical, and informational support that caters directly to your needs and preferences.
This investment not only enriches your birthing process but also provides peace of mind, knowing you have a dedicated advocate by your side. Many families reflect on their decision to hire a doula as invaluable, citing the positive impact on their birth outcomes and overall satisfaction. We encourage you to view the cost of a doula as an investment in your well-being and a profound contribution to a more empowered and supported birth experience.
Can a doula only be hired for natural births?
No, doulas can be hired for all types of births, including medicated or cesarean deliveries. A doula's role is to provide continuous support and advocate for the birthing person's wishes, regardless of their birth plan. Doulas can also assist with pain management techniques and provide emotional support during any type of birth.
Can my partner still be involved if I have a doula?
The involvement of your partner in the birthing process is not only encouraged but also enhanced with the presence of a doula. Birth doulas and postpartum doulas are trained to work in harmony with partners, offering them guidance and support throughout labor, delivery, and the postpartum period. They can introduce effective techniques for partners to engage in, such as massage and breathing exercises, providing emotional support, and ensuring the birthing mother feels continuously supported. Additionally, doulas can offer invaluable breaks to partners, allowing them to rest and recharge, ensuring they are fully present when their support is most needed.
Having a birth doula by your side doesn't replace the role of your partner; instead, it complements it. Doulas provide a level of professional support that can enhance the partner's involvement by alleviating the pressure to remember everything from childbirth classes. This collaboration allows partners to focus on providing love and support, making the experience more enjoyable and less stressful for everyone involved.
Moreover, postpartum doulas play a crucial role in supporting families after the baby's arrival, offering guidance on newborn care, breastfeeding, and emotional adjustment. This support is invaluable in creating a smooth transition for the entire family. By working alongside postpartum doulas, partners can gain confidence in their new roles, ensuring that the family unit is supported and strengthened during this significant time of change.
Incorporating both birth doulas and postpartum doulas into your birth plan ensures a comprehensive support system that values the contributions of all involved, enhancing the overall birth experience with professional guidance and emotional support. The goal is to create a positive and supported birthing environment where both you and your partner feel empowered and informed, with birth doulas and postpartum doulas facilitating this journey every step of the way.
What if I have a high-risk pregnancy?
Doulas can still be a valuable resource for those with high-risk pregnancies. While they do not provide medical care or make decisions for you, they can help you navigate through your options and provide additional support during what may be a more challenging birth experience. It's important to discuss your specific situation with potential doulas to ensure they are comfortable supporting you in your unique circumstances.
How is a doula different from a midwife?
A common misconception is that doulas and midwives are the same thing. While both play crucial roles in supporting women through the journey of pregnancy and childbirth, they fulfill distinctly different responsibilities. A midwife is a healthcare professional who manages the clinical aspects of pregnancy and delivery, including medical procedures, assessments, and the delivery of the baby. In contrast, a doula offers non-medical support, focusing on the emotional, physical, and informational needs of the expectant mother throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.
Expanding on this, the role of a postpartum doula becomes particularly significant after the baby is born. Postpartum doula services are designed to support new mothers in the weeks and months following childbirth, addressing a wide range of needs from breastfeeding support to emotional well-being. The assistance provided by a postpartum doula can be invaluable in helping new families navigate the challenges and joys of the postpartum period. By offering personalized care, postpartum doulas ensure that mothers feel supported, informed, and cared for as they adjust to life with a new baby. These services complement the broader spectrum of doula services, which support families from pregnancy through to the postnatal phase, reinforcing the unique and complementary roles that both doulas and midwives play in the childbirth experience. Through both doula services and postpartum doula services, families receive comprehensive support that enhances their overall well-being during this transformative time.
Is a doula my advocate?
This is also a complicated question and one that has changed over the years.
Doula training historically taught that doulas don’t advocate for their clients. But with the BIPOC rate of maternal mortality being 4 to 5 times higher than those of their white counterparts in the U.S. it has become acceptable for doulas to advocate when appropriate.
The stakes are so high!
We certainly do the work to prepare clients to advocate for themselves. But it would be unethical to silently stand by if we understood that action needed to be taken and we didn’t take it.
Should you hire a doula?
Even a specialist in Fatherhood at WTF, David Arrell unequivocally rule #7 states, “Dude, Hire a Doula.”
John Kennell, MD, a pediatrician and pioneer in continuous labor support research has said, “If a doula was a drug, it would be unethical not to use one.”
To better help you answer this question for yourself, however, it’s helpful to consider the benefits of hiring a doula.
Deciding to hire a doula is the first step towards a more supported and empowering childbirth experience. But, you might be wondering,
How do I actually go about hiring one?
Here's a streamlined guide:
Firstly, start by researching doulas in your area. "And" to aid your search, you can use online directories, ask for recommendations from friends or healthcare providers, or check local parenting groups and forums.
Next, once you've compiled a list of potential doulas, "then" review their websites or online profiles. This will help you understand their philosophy, experience, and the services they offer.
Then, reach out to your shortlisted doulas to set up interviews. "Moreover," most doulas offer a free consultation, which can be in person, over the phone, or via video call.
During the interview process, "also" inquire about their experience, training, and availability around your due date. Discuss their fees and what services are included.
After interviewing, "furthermore," take some time to reflect on your interactions. Consider who you felt most comfortable with and whose support approach aligns with your vision.
Finally, once you've made your decision, "thus" contact the doula to confirm their services. You'll likely need to sign a contract and pay a deposit to secure their services for your due date.
This approach ensures that you hire a doula who provides both the support and knowledge you seek and someone you feel comfortable with as you embark on this incredible journey.
Getting the right fit for YOU and YOUR NEEDS is the most important thing.
Choosing a Doula
There’s so much more to choosing the right doula than simply asking, “how many births have you done and are you certified?”
You’re not hiring an insurance agent. This is an intimate experience! You and your partner will want to completely click and connect with your doula.
Before asking the generic questions of your prospective doula, it’s even more important to first ask YOURSELF some questions! Then you will be in a much better position to ask your prospective doula the questions that will matter to you.
So, that concludes part one of this series…but don’t worry, we have the list of questions to ask YOURSELF about hiring a doula ready for you. Find it here.
Contact us for more details about hiring doula services so you can come away feeling more prepared and empowered for birth!
Who We Are
Online Childbirth Class Instructors and Hospital Doulas Lisa Collins, MA., CD(DONA), ProDoula, Evidence-Based Birth® Instructor Marnie Lea, RDH., CD(ProDoula) Co-Founders of The Hospital Doulas.