(Image from https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPTsdsetdpNzUe0ryxkkVDGCIhsA3Y9BFCgnigU4WGJ7eYDJD-mQwlMIXpr8GMZXnDfV8ZAZod8HTWQV2YJncxGTDEPyJ0BWU_IcpzH3PWjb4wRvp_2YZB3A77fxbh3GA3d0mjKdOaD4o/s320/_+a+doula+3.jpg)
If you have made the choice to have the emotional and physical support of a doula at your birth, considering exactly WHO that person will be is a very important process. The most important part of interviewing doulas is finding a doula that fits you and your family. This should be obvious, but I would like to remind you of this important factor. When selecting doulas to interview, start with the basics:
-A doula who has a birth philosophy (information on their website, or that you can gather over the phone) that aligns with the kind of birth you are hoping to achieve.
-A doula who has availability on or around your due date.
-A doula who has been through a doula training program.
-A doula who is within your range of cost, and has a payment plan that works for you.
After you have narrowed it down to a few candidates, set up a time and location to meet for coffee, dessert, or a meal. A 30-60 minute interview is typical.
Things to keep in mind during the interview:
-How does the doula carry herself? Notice if she is quiet and calm, or confident and outspoken, perhaps both. You may prefer one style to another for the kind of support person you are looking for.
-How does the doula sound to you? Take time to imagine this voice speaking to your in your most vulnerable state; is her voice soothing and calming to you, or does it feel like nails on a chalk board? A doula's voice can be very important to consider.
-How does the doula engage your partner, and make him or her feel? Remember that a doula will work with your partner (and any other people you want to be present at your birth). Imagine how they might interact through that process, and think of how they might work together as a team during the process.
Interview questions: (Here are some to get you started, but add others that would be helpful to your personal background and pregnancy)
-What made you decide to persue doula work?
-What kinds of tools do you bring with to the births you attend, and how do you use them?
-Are you certified as a doula? Why or why not? What kinds of birth experiences have you had?
-What is your scope of practice? (It is very helpful to read over what this is, so you are familiar with what each doula will or will not do).
-When do you join me in labor?
-How do you work with partners?
-What do you do when a labor is very long?
-What happens if you cannot be at my birth, because of a rare event or illness?
-Can I choose who my back up doula is?
-How does your payment process work? What if I need a refund for any reason?
-How many births do you take a month?
-Are there any times you are unavailable because of work or family obligations around my date?
-What does your doula package include? What kinds of things will we talk about in our prenatal meetings?
-How do you help women advocate for themselves when you notice their birth wishes are not being carried out by the care provider?
-How would you describe your style in working with women?
-What kinds of support do you offer in early labor, active labor, and throughout the pushing stage?
-How will you help to create an environment that is relaxed for my birthing time?
-Do you offer any specialties in your package for your clients?
-What is your favorite book to recommend to expectant families?
-How do you keep yourself up to date with evidence based information?
-Do you have a list of references or mothers you have worked with in the past?
-Do you have a back up doula that you typically work with? Do you have their contact information?
After you are done meeting with your prospective doulas, it is time to make a decision about WHO your doula will be. Stay tuned for another blog about How to Choose YOUR Doula.
No comments:
Post a Comment