Hiring a doula: How do I know she’s the one for me?

So, you’ve decided you want to hire a doula for your upcoming birth, or/and for a period of time postnatally. Congratulations! I’m sure you already know that hiring a doula can bring a range of benefits to you and your baby. ​

Now that you’ve made the decision, you might be wondering how to go about finding the right doula for you. What sort of questions should you ask her? How will you know if she’s the right one? Should my partner have a say?
 
The first step is to send your potential doula an email and make sure she has availability around your estimated due date, and perhaps also find out what she charges for her services. If she is available, you might like to speak to her on the phone before you arrange an initial meeting with her.  Alternatively, you might arrange via email when and where to meet in person. In my view, choosing to hire a doula is an important decision, and you need to feel confident that you will “click”, so do make the time to meet face-to-face. For that same reason, I would strongly urge you to have your partner there too, unless they are not planning on being present at the birth. Most doulas will meet with you in your home or any other place that works for you and her.
 
When you meet, you might find it helpful to bring a list of questions with you. Here are some to get your started!
 
Practical questions:

• How long have you been working as a doula? How many families have you supported?
• How many other clients do you have around my due date?
• What does your pricing include in terms of antenatal / postnatal visits? Do you provide a birth debriefing service?
• When would you join me during labour? How long will you stay after my baby is born?
• Do you work alone, or do you work with a back-up doula? If yes, who is she and can I meet her? If not, what will happen if circumstances mean you cannot attend?
• Have you got Public Liability insurance?
• Can I see a copy of your contract?
• Who did you train with?
• Can you provide references?

 
Are you a good match?

• Why did you choose to become a doula?
• Do you have children yourself? How would you describe your parenting philosophy? What sort of books do you recommend to new parents?
• What skills do you feel you bring as a doula?
• What tasks are you able to help with? (useful when hiring a postnatal doula)
• Do you offer any additional services (hypnobirthing, placenta encapsulation, yoga, photography)?
• Do you have experience of supporting births in a hospital / birth centre / home setting?
• How will you work with midwives / doctors?
• How will you support me? How will you support my partner?
• Are there any specific techniques you recommend during labour?
• What is your experience in supporting breastfeeding? Do you have any breastfeeding qualifications?

If you have any specific concerns or interests ahead of the birth, it is also a good idea to discuss these in this preliminary meeting to ensure your potential doula feels able to support you.
 
The most important thing, above almost everything else, is to hire a doula you feel comfortable around and who makes you feel good. This is someone who will be with you at your most vulnerable, sharing intimate moments, so you want to make sure you hire someone who you feel completely safe with. If you have a gut feeling, do not ignore it!
 
I often think that the right doula for you might not necessarily be the doula with the most experience, nor might she have had children herself. What she brings is a sense of calm, order and reassurance and that is what matters the most!
 
To find the perfect doula for you, take a look at the BirthBliss doula register!