When you are pregnant there are so many things you need to think about. Your obstetrician is taking care of your body, but who is helping you through this time emotionally? You have many questions about what is going on inside you and your doctor can answer those. After the pregnancy fears are alleviated, you start to worry about the birth. Questions arise, how much is it going to hurt? What if I scream? What kinds of painkillers are there and are they safe? Yes you can read all the literature, you can talk to friends, but sometimes you need a little more. That’s when you start to consider hiring a doula.

A doula is a person who gives help and emotional care to a woman/couple who is in the last month of pregnancy and throughout her delivery. There are also post-natal doulas who help the mother/couple in the first few weeks to months after the birth of their child. Doulas are sensitive people who will give everything they have physically, emotionally and mentally to help you have a good birth experience.

Now, how do I find a doula you wonder? Ask around. Ask your doctor, your friends, your midwife or your childbirth educator. A good way is to contact an organization that trains and certifies doulas. Doulas of North America (DONA) is one of those. They can also provide you with a list of trained doulas in your area. Check your yellow pages and the internet.

It is a good idea to meet with a potential doula in order that get to know them and decide if you would be comfortable with them. The following is a partial list of questions you may want to ask. Write them down before the interview to help you remember.

1. Ask the doula what training she has had. A certified doula has gone through a training program. There are also uncertified doulas who have gone through the same program but either have chosen not to become certified or who have not been certified as of yet.

2. What kinds of services does she provide?

3. What are her fees? When does she need to be paid? Also, if for some reason she is not able to attend the birth, is part of the fee refunded? *Note if money is a concern, some doulas work on a sliding scale, also doulas who have taken the doula training and are not yet certified will often times not charge a fee. Don’t be afraid to let the doula know of monetary concerns. We all have them.

4. How often does the doula meet with you before and after the birth?

5. Is it all right to call your Doula with questions?

6. Does your doula have a back up doula in case of emergencies and if so, can you meet with that person too?

7. What hospitals has she worked in?

8. When does the doula want to be called, at the first sign of labor, when the woman goes to the hospital or after she is admitted?

9. How long after the birth will the doula remain?

10. What is her philosophy on breast-feeding and can she help with breast feeding concerns/problems?

11. What type of partner involvement does she advocate?

Other things to consider when interviewing a doula are your own perceptions of her. There are many kinds of people with varied personalities. When you are interviewing a doula, something to keep in mind is if you feel comfortable with her. Does your partner feel comfortable? Do you think she would be helpful to you emotionally during your labor? Does she emotionally and psychology fit with your family?

Finding the right doula for your family is an important job. Speak to your partner about concerns. You may need to interview more than one doula before you find the right one for your family. A doula can help you have the birth experience you want.