My doctor doesn't see the value of labour support, can I still have a doula?
Absolutely! We will discuss what is important to you, and we will spend time discussing and educating you. I am not here to offer medical advice, but to support you to ensure you achieve your goals. Often the medical team is happy you have a doula as additional support.
What if I am giving birth to my baby by cesarean, can I still have a doula?
No matter how your baby is born, it's still born! You may find greater value in the appointments leading up to your birth and after. You will be experiencing major surgery and will still need support after; emotionally and physically.
When making initial contact:
- Are you available around my due date?
- How long have you been a doula?
- How many families have you been a doula for?
- What doula certification do you have or what courses have you attended?
- What is your philosophy on childbirth and your work as a doula?
- Can you provide references?
During a face to face interview:
- What part of your job do you enjoy the most?
- What skills and abilities do you personally feel you bring to your doula role?
- What books would you recommend to new parents?
- How do you handle conflicts with family members and or medical staff?
- If you have a particular concern about the birth or post-natal (ex: physical, emotional or psychological) how would you address those issues?
- What are your feelings on midwives?
- How will you deal with my partner during childbirth
- Have you experienced child birth?
- How is your childcare organized (what if I go into labour in the middle of the night)?
- What are your feelings about pain relief?
- How much do you charge, and what is included?
- Do you have a written contract?
- Do you have a back-up doula?
- If so, can we meet her?
- If necessary, under what circumstances would you send your back-up?
- What happens if you or your back-up miss the birth?
- What happens if we fail to call you in time for the birth?
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What happens if we decide nearer the birth that we no longer require a doula?
As a parent, you may want to think about the following points when hiring a doula:
- Could we spend up to 48 hours together?
- Did she listen to me during our interview?
- Do I think she will respect my wishes?
- Does my partner like her?