Picking a doula

MrsPDX

I know many of you have experience hiring doulas. I have a couple of questions that I am hoping you could help me with. When do you normally pick a doula? I know that doulas usually do 2-3 prenatal visits. For those who have doulas, did you interview them before? How did you pick them? What are some things to look for in a good doula? Thanks for your help!

CoPilot2012

Side note:

I was researching because my girlfriend recommended one and hers was provided at her hospital, she just paid a $200 fee and whoever was on call the night of her delivery was her doula.

When I looked into this, bcbs would only cover/partially cover a doula if they had a certification and a medical code for them to use. I made a few calls and they all seem to be independently paid from an insurance company.

Anyone have any information on that portion?

TabH

That's interesting @CoPilot2012‌. I have BCBS (anthem) as well and I didn't think they covered doula expenses at all, I never called and asked though. I stalled my search due to potential costs. With this note I'm going to start looking again. I'm really trying for a VBAC this time and a doula would be wonderful!

supersarah77

We interviewed three doulas and had a list of questions we asked them all. I can't remember what they were! MH and I brainstormed and I think we Googled questions to ask for ideas, too. They were about how she works with couples and with hospital staff, her experience, why she's a doula, how she feels about different birth plans, etc. Ultimately we chose the one with whom we felt most comfortable. She was gentle and calm and positive and open and supportive to my birth plan. She had lots of experience and is certified as a doula and LC. We love her and plan to use her again. Which reminds me, I need to reach out to her!