How and why did you choose your doula? Doulas, who did you train through?

AshasaurusRex

Hello! I'm about to begin training to become a certified labor and postpartum doula and am trying to decide which organization to train and certify though. Did the organization that your doula trained and certified through have a baring on why you chose her? How did you find her, through an organization (DONA, CAPPA, etc)? Why did you choose your doula?

Doulas, I know that I'll probably get tons of various answers to this question, but why did you pick the organization you are certified though? I'm trying to decide between DONA, and CBI right now, any thoughts on either, or a different one?

Thank you for any feedback you can give me!

laurenluor

I found my doula in my Hypnobabies class. She is just starting to get trained and certified so she was taking the hypnobabies class too. The main reason I chose her is because she's going through the hypnobabies class and has used hypnobirthing for 3 of her 5 home births. Second reason is because my husband actually likes her! Third reason is she is in our price range since she isn't certified.

To me it's not really about being certified. It's about having someone who will support me during my labor who is not family so that my husband will be comfortable too. Her 5 home births are experience enough for me to feel comfortable.

funkymonkeyohyeahhh

I have a video blog on YouTube and made a video about why we chose our doula, if you're inclined to watch. Link here. Her affiliation with any organization wasn't a factor.

honkytonk_kid

I have nothing to add to this, except that I remember you are in Fort Worth, so I'll have to keep you in mind when we (eventually!) need a doula

Celyn

I certified with DONA, simply because it was the most well known at the time I certified.  Like any training though, the teacher makes a big difference.  Some are much more thorough and better prepare new doulas than others.   

AshasaurusRex

Thanks for the feedback everyone! HonkyTonk, you have a great memory! I do remember we've talked about being in the same area a few times LOL, let me know when you need a doula!

honkytonk_kid

AshasaurusRex:

Thanks for the feedback everyone! HonkyTonk, you have a great memory! I do remember we've talked about being in the same area a few times LOL, let me know when you need a doula!

Lol- it's actually because I'm from Cleburne, and I know we talked about that... it's not exactly a hoppin' place, so anyone knowing where it is sticks in my mind

And will do!

tokenhoser

I found her via doulamatch.net, I think. There is a big collective in town, but they seemed $$$$, so I looked elsewhere.

Where her certification was from didn't really matter. I wanted her to have some training, but in the end the things that mattered were her availability, her price, and her personality. 

sccalla

I chose my certifying org. partially based on that the training workshop is not super far from home and their reading list and certification requirements are rigorous

bikramgirl

I am meeting with a doula next week and plan to contract her for my delivery.  I stumbled upon her actually and was drawn to her because of her personality and philosophy about birthing.  She is seems extremely compassionate and non-judgemental which is important to me.  She happens to have a lot of experience and is certified with dona too.  Her price was somewhat relevant but she is flexible and willing to work a sliding fee scale or payment plan as needed.  I am excited to meet with her because I think I found the right one!