HOW TO CHOOSE YOUR DOULA PART 2

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on as a client. How awkward and tense would it be for the Doula if your partner doesn’t value them or questions their purpose. In the event of life saving measures or changes in my birth preferences being needed can my doula explain, console or cheer with my spouse.

Cost and Expenses

Are they affordable ? DoulaMatch.net as well as the individual sites of the Doula are great for finding affordable partnering. It is not wise to interviewe with a Doula fall in love with them and find out you can’t afford them. You will compare every Doula to them there after. Always ask about financial aid or payment plans. Never price haggle it just comes across as rude.

Postpartum

How will they support me after the birth ? There are all kinds of Doulas but you must keep in mind that you may need services after delivery. Ask about post partum services at the Doula interview . Does this person offer grieving care , baby blues care or help with recounting the birth experience like remembering who was on your care team.

Contracts and Agreements.

What if I change my mind. It is not uncommon for pregnant persons to switch care providers in the capacity of their Dr or Hospital. This same thing happens with Doulas. If you’ve signed a contract are you prepared to pay cancellation fees or return rented material I.e. medicine balls , books, breast pumps etc.Please be mindful that even though this intimate partnership it is still their BUSINESS.

Trust

Am I ready to trust. When we are pregnant and giving birth we are at our most vulnerable, our partners too. If you are a person who is tnot trusting or knows it all a doula is not for you. If your doula is trained properly they will be able to interpret your needs. If they’re telling you to switch laboring position or helping with breathing you need to trust them. We must know that our ultimate goal For everyone involved is to have a healthy and safe delivery you must trust that whatever the Doula is telling you they are having you and your baby and your partners best interest at heart.

Above and Beyond

This section is very important if you are thinking that you would like to have another child and would like to have the Doula experience again. One thing that we can all agree on is that customer service is key . We always go back to The places that offer us the best customer service experience . Whether it is IHOP, McDonald’s or even just the housekeeping at a hotel. People will come back to the business if they feel as though the Doula truly cares and has given them a stellar experience. A satisfied customer is often a loyal customer meaning that even if they do not return for their own pregnancy they will refer and grow the business.

How do they go the extra mile. Are they willing to find or give resources . No one knows everything so if there is a point in the 40+ weeks where the care plan changes how will my doula adapt. All kinds of things can happen, does my doula have resources for learning. Topics may include but are not limited too; kidney care , death , depression etc. Are they prepared for emergency surgery or possible still births ?

The more my Doula knows they more they have to teach me.

Choose a doula who is always improving ask them what books they’ve read or when was the last rime they’ve renewed their CPR , BLS etc.

Remember DOULAS are born Not Created. No one can teach true empathy it comes from within.