.: Hiring a Doula :.
Hiring a doula is a very important step in your birth experience. Doulas in the Rochester area are hired independently through a series of phone and/or face to face interviews. The Doula Cooperative exists to help make that process easier and more efficient. One of the most important things to consider when hiring a birth or postpartum doula is finding someone who is a good fit for you and your family. Below are some questions to consider and ask any prospective doula.Questions to Ask a Prospective Birth Doula
The following questions will help you decide
if a particular doula is right for you.
- For Any Doula:
- What training have you had? (If the doula is certified, you might consider checking with the organization.)
- Do you have one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet her/them?
- What is your fee, what does it include, and what are your refund policies?
- When Interviewing a Birth Doula:
- Tell me/us about your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor.
- May we meet to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me/us through childbirth?
- May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?
- When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?
- Do you meet with me/us after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?
- When Interviewing a Postpartum Doula:
- Tell me about your experience as a postpartum doula.
- What is your philosophy about parenting and supporting women and their families during postpartum?
- May we meet to discuss our needs and the role you will play?
- What different types of services do you offer?
- When do your services begin postpartum?
- What is your experience in breast-feeding support?
