How to Hire a Doula
- Michelle
- Nov 8, 2017
- 3 min read
How do I find a birth or postpartum doula?
Check with friends, family, local mommy groups, breastfeeding groups, local doula groups, midwives, also online:
www.DoulaMatch.net
www.Doulas.com
www.DONA.org
www.FindaDoula.com
or on Facebook!
When in my pregnancy do I choose a doula?
You can hire a doula at any point in your pregnancy. Hire your doula early to get her full range of benefits. Doulas have great local resources for prenatal classes, prenatal massage, photographers and more. Generally doulas will do 1-2 meetings before birth to help you prepare, it is best to make sure you have time for that. However, it is never too late to hire a doula! You’ll just have more limited options because of full call schedules.
How do I choose a doula?
Set up interview locations and times. Plan for an hour inteview with each doula. If you have a partner, try to arrange it so your partner can attend as well. You can meet at a coffee shop, or park, or in your home. On the phone you’ll want to ask basic questions about availability, or any special needs you may have (home birth/ planned cesarean / multiples).
Most parents will interview 2-3 doulas before deciding. If you meet the right doula, you can sign a contract right then or sleep on it. Trust your intuition, and it’s okay not to hire a doula just because it doesn’t feel right. Your doula needs to be a good fit with you and your partner for this vulnerable, intimate time in your life.
Once you have made your decision, contact your doula as soon as you can, to save your spot before they get booked. (Most doulas take only 2-5 clients per month). As a courtesy, please contact the other doulas you’ve interviewed to tell them you’ve gone with another doula-- doulas in a community are very understanding and often work together, and one may end up being your back up doula!
Some Interview Questions:
• What is your experience?
• What training and education do you have?
• What is your philosophy about childbirth?
• Are you available for my date range?
• What is your fee?
• What other services do you offer?
• How often will we meet before and after labor?
• Do you have a back up doula?
• Do you have any references we can contact?
Post-Interview Assessment:
Overall, how do you feel about this person? Are you comfortable with them? Could you picture them supporting you at your birth? Did they seem knowledgeable? Did you communicate well together-- were they a good listener? How did they get along with my partner? Will they support me in my choices, even if it’s against their personal preferences?
How much does a doula charge?
Doulas have varying fees based on location, experience, and range of services. Experienced doulas in metropolitain areas like New York or San Francisco will charge between 1200-2700 for their services. (as of 2017) Doulas serving smaller towns and cities may be much less.
Many doulas will require a retainer when you sign a contract, save your spot on their calendar. Some doulas will work with you on a payment plan. Some offer discounted services, for example- if they are newly trained. Some doulas will accept a barter or trade. Don’t be shy-- just ask! If you really want a doula, but can’t afford one, tell your local doulas, they will be able to direct you to a reduced rate doula, or charitable organization that may be able to help.
Make sure you talk to your doula about her refund policy and plan for a back up doula.
Many doulas offer additional services like massage, belly casting, placenta encapsulation, and childbirth classes.
I hope that's helpful!
For your convenience I've made a printable pdf here:
https://drive.google.com/file/d/17qbDNM7GBiRz282rtbmPrFQ4OY_37tbK/view?usp=sharing
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