Giving birth to a baby is so much more than a physical phenomenon; it engages parents-to-be in a transformational experience, a key life event full of emotion and meaning. A doula who accompanies a woman in labor mothers the mother, taking care of her emotional needs throughout childbirth. A doula also provides support and suggestions for partners that can enhance their experiences of birth. A postpartum doula continues that valuable emotional support and guidance, helping a family make a smooth transition into new family dynamics.
Doulas are educated and knowledgeable about childbirth and the postpartum experience. They are advocates and a listening ear for birthing mothers, as well as facilitators to her partner. When a family goes home with a new baby, a postpartum doula supports every member and the family unit as a whole.
Doulas are educated to work within evidence-based standards of practice. The skills that they develop are medically proven to make a true difference in the experience of birth. A doula's presence at birth improves outcomes for mother and baby. In the postpartum period, a doula's guidance can empower and encourage new parents, inspiring self-confidence in parenting.
HOW TO FIND A DOULA
http://cappa.net/
http://www.findadoula.com/
http://www.dona.org/
http://doulanetwork.com/
http://www.doula.com/
www.bellywomen.net
Questions to Ask a Doula
The following questions will help you decide if a particular doula is right for you.
For any doula:
What training have you had? (If a doula is certified, you might consider checking with the organization.)
- I have completed training through CAPPA.
Do you have one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available?
- At this time I do not have a backup doula.
May we meet her/them?
What is your fee, what does it include, and what are your refund policies?
- My fee is outlined in my contract. My fee includes 2 prenatal visits, unlimited phone/emailing, attendance at birthplace until one hour after labor, and one postpartum visit. My refund policies are outlined in my contract.
When interviewing a birth doula:
Tell me/us about your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor.
- I believe that birth is a natural event and when mothers are fully supported and feel safe, birth becomes less complicated and less likely to have interventions. I believe that supportive husbands are vital for laboring women and I am there to support the husband and help him help his wife.
May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me/us through childbirth?
May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
When do you try to join women in labor?
- Usually in late first stage labor, or when you go to your birthing place.
Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?
- Usually I meet you at your place of birth
Do you meet with me/us after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?
When interviewing a postpartum doula:
Tell me about your experience as a postpartum doula.
What is your philosophy about parenting and supporting women and their families during postpartum?
May we meet to discuss our needs and the role you will play?
What different types of services do you offer?
When do your services begin postpartum?
What is your experience in breast-feeding support?
Have you had a criminal background check, a recent TB test?
Do you have current CPR certification?
You may want to interview more than one doula to find the right one for you.