How to Choose a Doula
Going into 2024, parents still loosely know what a doula means. The title Doula is thrown around and most people instantly think of birth. While doulas work in the birth setting, these professionals are present at various stages within the reproductive period. There is still so much to understand about doulas and this blog will help to navigate the various niches and how to find the one for you.
Definition:
The standard definition of Doula, pronounced /ˌdo͞olə/ or /ˌdo͞o Luh/, is a non-medical professional who supports the mother mentally, physically, emotionally, and informatively during the perinatal period. The training can be formal or informal in some cultures. In the United States, new parents are not experiencing the support that historically new parents often had when bringing a new child into the world. Even more so, since the pandemic, parents feel isolated in their parenthood journey. Families are busier and support is becoming more limited, this is where doulas assist.
As mentioned, the support is non-medical, but very effective nonetheless. Providing coaching, resources, a listening ear, space to feel heard and safe, advocacy, companionship, comfort measures, and so much more. These birthworkers hold space for families, meaning that no matter what unfolds your support person is there, fully connected to you, allowing your innate power to do its thing with no judgment or need to intervene.
Types of Doulas:
Pre-conception/Fertility- Supports families in their journey to becoming pregnant. This can look different depending on what support best suits your needs. It can look like creating a fertility plan, phone, and face-to-face check-ins during or after clinic appointments, and maybe even providing resources and referrals for holistic care. Families undergoing In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF) or any assisted reproductive care can also utilize these doulas.
Pregnancy & Birth- The most commonly displayed of all types is the birth doula. These doulas help prepare for birth and immediate postpartum in any setting (home, birth center, or hospital). Providing continuous support throughout pregnancy and the birth experience leads to greater satisfaction and health outcomes. There are numerous research available on the benefits of a birth doula some being, shorter, manageable labor, lower chance of Cesarean (C-Section), and lower chance of additional medical interventions.
Postpartum- In-home or now even virtual, postpartum doulas specialize in the time after birth. A heavy focus on the first three months after birth sometimes referred to as the fourth trimester, when the birthing parent is recovering and adjusting. These doulas handle newborn care, sleep assistance, lactation/feeding support, light housework, or just resources to make the transition into parenthood a better experience.
Loss (Pregnancy or Infant)- Supports people in their journey to becoming pregnant. This can look different depending on what support best suits your needs. It can look like creating a fertility plan, phone, and face-to-face check-ins during or after clinic appointments, and maybe even providing resources and referrals for holistic care.
Many others..- Adoption, Abortion, Death, Full Spectrum. Any transition during the reproductive period there is a doula for that!
Finding the Doula for you!
These life experiences are often intimate and choosing the right doula for you is important. When talking to a potential doula for hire, have genuine conversations with the person. Take note of not necessarily how many births they have attended but their philosophy on topics that matter to you. Write down your needs and wants, and decide what are non-negotiable before even starting your search. Once ready, your medical provider may have direct referrals to begin. Don’t be afraid to ask questions during the interview phase, if you feel uncomfortable with that person then, you will feel uncomfortable during a birth. Consider budgets, contract requirements, and reviews. Once you have your top three, pray on it (if that is your thing).
Lastly, trust yourself and honor your process as your own. Use this blog as a step in building your support team, along with your heart and intuition.