How to hire a doula

Nov 14

In the last decade, doulas have gained a lot of acknowledgement for their contribution to the birth community. Its no wonder more and more birthing folks are seeking out these care providers to assist them in navigating the childbearing year and the many changes that come with it.

If you have spent any time on the internet googling, you will know that doulas offer physical, emotional, and informational support before, during and after birth …but, the truth of what a doula brings and holds goes much deeper than those words. Perhaps most noteworthy is that each individual doula brings their own unique knowledge, skill set, and presence to a birth experience and, how they support their clients.

Here are some things to consider when speaking with doulas and deciding who you would like to share this intimate experience with:

✨How does this person make you feel? Do you feel heard? Do you feel safe?
✨What are their personal beliefs and philosophy about birth?
✨What experience do they have? How many births have they attended? What types of births do they attend? What life experience do they bring to their practice?
✨What special trainings, certifications, modalities do they bring to their practice? Are they trauma informed? Do they have experience with hypnosis for childbirth? Do they offer placenta encapsulation? Do they offer bodywork? Childbirth Education? What would you most value as add-on services?
✨How do they practice? Are they a hands on doula? Hands off? Are they knowledgeable about birth? How would they describe how they work with the birthing person? With the partner? With the birth team?
✨What is the most important thing to you about the person you hire?
✨There are a variety of doulas operating practices these days with a wide range of experience and offerings! Be prepared to interview a few to find the one that resonates on both a personal and professional level AND be prepared to follow your intuition if one just feels right!
✨Consider cost… there are a range of price points out there. You’ve heard it before and I’ll say it again…a good doula, or perhaps more accurately, the right doula for you, will be worth their weight in gold! So, if you know you value your birth experience and the support you deserve, plan ahead and budget for your dream team!!
✨Consider the intangibles!! Recognize that birth is a space of deep transformation and there is a place for wisdom and intuition from the doula you hire! Whether this person’s understanding of birth comes through experience, trainings, or a deep trust in the birth process, you should feel in alignment with the doula you decide to work with!

Interested in exploring working together? Lets connect!