Before sending a deposit to your doula, it's important to gather comprehensive information to ensure you are making an informed decision. Here is a checklist of questions and information you should consider:
Credentials and Experience
- Certification and Training:
- Is the doula certified? If so, by which organization?
- What training and certifications does the doula have?
- Experience:
- How many years of experience does the doula have?
- How many births has the doula attended?
- Does the doula have experience with specific types of births (e.g., home births, hospital births, water births)?
Services and Support
- Services Offered:
- What specific services does the doula offer (e.g., prenatal visits, continuous labor support, postpartum visits)?
- Does the doula offer any additional services, such as childbirth education or lactation consulting?
- Availability:
- What are the doula's availability and on-call schedule around your due date?
- Does the doula have a backup in case they are unavailable during labor?
- Support Style:
- What is the doula’s philosophy and approach to labor and birth support?
- How does the doula work with the rest of your birth team, including your partner and medical providers?