What is the process of hiring a doula?
Well, each doula is different, but you’ll notice that most doulas have pretty similar structures to their packages.
2 prenatal appointments
Full birth support
2 postpartum appointments.
But what does it look like, more specifically?
Typically the doula will offer a free consultation, either in person or virtually. This is a meet and greet where you get to feel out if you would be a comfortable match for one another. Both parties get to decide if they think this would be a positive experience. The birth family gets a chance to ask questions about logistics, like “do you service my area? Are you available for my due date?” And more specific questions like “do you have much experience with home births?” or “how would you support someone in labor with an epidural?” During this initial consultation you’ll hopefully get a good sense of whether or not you feel comfortable with this doula.
Most in person consultations are in a neutral location, like a coffee shop somewhere between your two locations.
It’s a good idea to interview with a couple different doulas so you can get an idea of what you are looking for. One might be a better fit for your personality or needs than another, and you won’t know until you’ve met a few. After you’ve met and selected the doula you want to attend your birth, she’ll send you her contract. Typically these can be signed virtually and confidentially. Many doulas ask for at least half of their fee to be paid upon booking, with a variety of payment options available. And the remainder of the fee due by the 36th week of pregnancy.
If you have the fortune of booking your chosen doula early on in your pregnancy then you get to enjoy the benefits of her knowledge base and support through phone calls, texts and emails throughout. She’s a good resource and can offer great suggestions and recommendations on a variety of topics. Once you reach the later weeks of pregnancy, often between 30-36 weeks she’ll meet with you and your partner typically twice, in your home or virtually. Often the first visit is to discuss the pregnancy, birth preferences, and to start assembling a birth plan. She should become very familiar with your hopes and dreams, as well as your fears and concerns about birth so she can be your strong advocate. This first meeting is where I also like to educate my clients on the process of labor and delivery and help them feel ready for what to expect. I bring my childbirth education tools and pause often for questions and clarifications. One dad recently said after my thorough walk through of dilation, effacement, and labor stages “that was more helpful and comprehensive than anything I found online.”
The second appointment is where your doula will likely practice labor techniques with you. This is where I personally like to show them what’s in my birth bag, and how the different tools can help in different stages of labor. You should also talk about how and when to contact your doula when labor starts. This second appointment is usually completed between 34-36 weeks. After that you usually stay in close touch with your doula, giving her updates on appointments and how you and the baby are. I like to connect at least via text with my clients one a week in the last month, and every few days in the final week and beyond. I want my clients to be so comfortable and familiar with me, that when I walk in to their labor they feel relieved and happy to see me.
Your doula will stay with you throughout the labor and delivery as much as you need, until after the baby is born. They are hands on, physical and emotional support helping you find your voice and your power. They are an empowering and comfortable presence that should bring you peace and strength all the way up through the delivery of the placenta. For my clients, there’s usually a moment, sometime between the first and second hour after the baby is born, when they are snuggling their baby and completely blissed out, that’s clear I’m the 4th wheel in the room. I make sure everyone is cozy and baby has been fed, then I take my leave.
Your doula will stay in contact over the next few weeks and come over at least once or twice to meet the baby, process the birth story with you and assess where the couple needs resources and referrals. Your doula is generally reachable by phone, text or email for the next 6 weeks if you anything comes up.
Of course each doula does things a bit differently, but this is a pretty good outline to go off of. Here’s a jumping off point for you to ask the doulas you’re interviewing questions, and get clarifications on their specifics.
Please reach out if you have questions, or would like to add me to the list of doulas you interview.
