I’m an experienced doula in Northern Ireland, and I want to share some tips with you in how to choose the right doula. There are many misconceptions about what a doula does, but choosing the right one can make all the difference in whether or not you have a positive birth experience. In this article, we will look at what to consider when choosing a doula that is right for YOU and your needs. I believe every woman should have a doula, but not every doula is right for every woman.
When you know what to look for, making a choice for your ideal doula is easy. But when you don’t know what you’re looking for, how to choose a doula can be confusing and overwhelming. I encourage you to meet up with 2-3 doulas and talk to her about her birth philosophy, and any other topics that are important to you.
What is a Doula?
First off, let me explain what a doula is. A doula is someone who provides physical support for birth. Throughout the pregnancy a doula will help the woman prepare both physically and emotionally for labour and childbirth and provide comfort during birth. The doula’s role is to be present throughout, from around 20 weeks through labour and birth and into the fourth trimester. Some people believe they are only present during childbirth, however, in reality, a doula is trained to provide support throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond, offering services for birth, postnatal support or both.
If you’d like to understand more of what a doula does, check this blog Now let’s explore how to choose a doula.
How to Choose A Doula
1) Ask those who have used a doula for their recommendation
When looking for a doula, you want to be sure to find one that your trusted friends and family members recommend if they have used one for their birth. Friends will often recommend the doula they worked with and trusted well before you start asking because they had such a positive experience. They might even be the one who introduced you to the concept of a doula.
Also, ask other women who have had positive experiences with a doula. You can ask them how they found their doula and if they would recommend this person again.
Ask in on-line local chat groups. Women who have had positive experiences with a doula, are only too happy to talk about the support and care they received.
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Many doulas love talking about birth plans, birthing positions, breastfeeding, birth stories, etc. They are always willing to share information and give non-biased, evidence-based suggestions. Furthermore, don’t be shy about asking questions concerning the doula and her style of care. You need to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident in her abilities.
Choosing a doula is a big decision. You want someone who will you like and trust, who will support you through labour and birth and during postpartum recovery. But what do you look for and how do you choose the doula who is right for YOU?
2) Use Social Media
It’s so easy nowadays to get an idea of what people are like, isn’t it? We just have to look at their social media accounts to see what’s important.
Start following some local doulas in your area and it won’t take long before you find one or two doulas who stand out to you.
Using your Google browser and visiting those doula’s websites will also give you an impression. Just pop your location into the search bar and doula. eg, Belfast doula, or doula in Belfast, or even doula near me.
3) Read Doula Reviews
Just as any business needs happy customers to succeed, a doula’s reputation depends on having happy clients.
Before hiring a doula, carefully research online reviews written by previous clients. Furthermore, ask the doula for references you can call to learn about the doula’s personality and abilities. These are things that can make or break your experience together.
Finally, feel free to read previous client’s birth stories to get a clear picture of the support they received during their labour and birth. Google is a great starting place.
4) Meet with the Doula
fewBefore hiring any professional, you need to meet with them at least once. During this meeting, you will learn more about the doula and feel if you would like to work with them.
Most doulas offer a few packages to choose from. Depending on how long you plan to work together, you might want to set up a few sessions before having your baby to understand birth, and how best to support it.
Like me, most doulas offer a free initial consultation over coffee or virtually. I love having a nice chat over coffee! There’s absolutely no obligation on your behalf to hire a doula after your chat, so don’t feel pressured.
Also, it’s important to note that the doula also needs to feel the right connection with you. Sometimes that initial, YES! is what you need to trust, even if this is the doula’s first birth.
5) Discuss Expectation
It is very important to discuss expectations before starting your relationship. Make sure you understand the doula’s fees, hours, availability, etc.
Make sure that she knows your goals as a couple/family. For example, do you want a natural home birth with minimal interventions, or would you rather opt for a medicated birth on the delivery suite/labour ward? Perhaps you have no idea what you want. That’s okay too, as a doula will be able to share what your options are, with the risks and benefits involved.
You may only want postnatal support once your partner goes back to work. Once you’re happy and have agreed on these things, you can move forward with your relationship.
6) Take Your Time When Choosing a Doula
You don’t have to hire a doula immediately after finding one. Give yourself time to think about what you want in a doula and decide if she is the right person for you.
Don’t rush into deciding because you’ve had this great idea to have a doula and you want her NOW! Hiring a doula is an important investment that does require thought and time. However, doula’s schedules can get booked up quickly, so don’t leave it too late in your pregnancy to start looking.
Contact the doula and arrange to meet with her in-person or on-line, when you’re ready (Take a look further down this page for some questions you should ask yourself and the doula). Meet up with 1-2 other doulas in your area so you have a good comparison.
Here’s what I do for a prospective client: I hold the prospective client’s due date for 5-7 days to give them time to consider if I’m the right fit for them. This takes the pressure off the couple as they can meet up with other doulas, consider options and come to their own decision.
7) Consider Doula Fees
Most doulas offer several packages that vary in price. It’s worth considering all of them and making an informed choice for your pregnancy and birth journey. There are many benefits to doing so, such as focusing on other aspects of the pregnancy eg. optimising movement, nutrition, postnatal planning, breastfeeding support etc. However, if you aren’t interested in the package deal, you could discuss a custom made package.
Doulas may offer birth packages and/or postnatal packages. Keep in mind that some doulas provide additional services, such as bellybinding, tens machine/birth pool hire, hypnobirthing classes, postnatal support, etc. Be sure to factor those costs in when comparing prices.
Doulas will provide a package for birth/postnatal where there can be added sessions if required. Some doulas will offer emergency or last-minute support where there is only labour and birth support, with no prenatal visits. I wouldn’t recommend this to save on money as the true delight and sweetness is developed during the time together in pregnancy. However in a true emergency situation, eg. moving to a new country, a doula’s presence can be invaluable.
8) Ask the doula Questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Most doulas love talking about birth. In fact it can be hard to shut them up! They are always willing to share information and give non-biased, evidence-based suggestions. Furthermore, please don’t be shy about asking questions in your doula meeting concerning her style of care, philosophy, or anything else that’s important to you. You need to ensure that you feel comfortable and confident with her and in her abilities.
Questions to Consider when Hiring a Doula
Choosing a doula is a big decision and a big investment. You want someone who you will like, actually, make that LOVE, and trust. Someone who will support you through labour and birth and during your postpartum recovery. But what do you look for?
Here are some questions to ask yourself when choosing a doula.
- What do you hope to accomplish with my doula? Do you want someone to accompany you through labour and delivery? Or would you also like her to assist you after birth?
- Who will be present during your labour? Will she be alone with you? Or will she be part of your support team, with your partner and medical team?
- How much experience does she have? Does she have extensive training in childbirth education?
- How many other clients is she supporting over your due date? What will happen if she’s not available to support you on the day?
- What kind of relationship will you have? Are you looking for someone who is going to be your friend? Someone who will be supportive and encouraging? Or is this a business arrangement where you expect professionalism and results?
- What can you pay her? Can you afford her services? Will you need others to contribute financially?
- What kind of personality type is she? Is she outgoing and bubbly? A bit more reserved? Or somewhere in between? Do your personalities clash?
- What is her availability? Will she be available at all times throughout your pregnancy? During labour? After birth?
There’s one point I’d like to emphasise, and that is: you don’t have to hire the first doula you find! Take your time and choose carefully. You’ll know when one is right for you. Trust your gut.
Conclusion
In conclusion, hiring a doula can be a very rewarding experience. It helps prepare you for the big day and makes the transition from expecting mother to new mum even smoother.
Evidence shows that having a doula improves your outcomes considerably, reduces the use of pain medication, epidurals, assisted and surgical deliveries.
Your birth matters more than you realise! Make it a memory that is worth shouting about in all the positive ways!
Are you living in Northern Ireland and interested in hiring a doula? Perhaps you have read this article and the things I’ve mentioned resonate with you. Let’s get together and have a chat about how I can help you prepare for a birth beyond your expectations. Press the button below to find out my availability.
After finding Nicola and meeting her for the first time, I knew instantly she was the doula for me and my family.
