New...questions on having a doula.

Junebugmomma02

Hello, I am new here. I am pregnant with my second child. (about 8 weeks) I have a 2 1/2 year old daughter.

I am really excited about this pregnancy. I am looking forward to being able to enjoy it and hopefully not be freaked out about every little thing like I was with my first.

One major thing we are doing differently is having a doula present during the birth. We have a meeting set with her towards the end of December. So my question is, has anyone had a birth with a doula. What are some must ask questions that I will need to ask?

(I also posted this in another section but was advised to ask here)

GraceInCA

DONA has good info on their website, and a list of questions to ask.

https://www.dona.org/mothers/how_to_hire_a_doula.php

 

Questions to Ask a 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 a 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 about your experience as a birth doula.
• What is your philosophy about birth 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 through birth?
• 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 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 postpartum needs and the role you will play in supporting us in the postpartum period?
• May we call you with postpartum questions or concerns before the birth?
• When do your services begin after birth?
• What is your experience in breastfeeding support?
• Have you had a criminal background check, a recent TB test and current CPR certification?

Junebugmomma02

That list is awesome, thank you!!

 

Problem is, we only have 2 doulas in our town so I can't be too selective but I also want to make sure I am clear on what I can expect.

Have y'all used a doula? Would you say it is worth it?

aylafsu88

Junebugmomma02:

That list is awesome, thank you!!

 

Problem is, we only have 2 doulas in our town so I can't be too selective but I also want to make sure I am clear on what I can expect.

Have y'all used a doula? Would you say it is worth it?

I had a doula and she was worth every penny we paid her. My DH and I took the Bradley classes to prepare for L&D but we also wanted a doula there with us as we were first time parents. We interviewed several doulas and went with the one that we felt most comfortable with. She was amazing and having her at my delivery made a huge difference.  I had an anterior placenta and was worried my LO would be OP.  She helped me get into positions that would help my LO be in a more favorable position for delivery.  She helped keep me positive and told me how great I was doing throughout labor.  That is a big deal when 8 hours have passed and you are starting to become tired.  When I started pushing I had a hard time dealing with the pressure.  I was screaming and freaking out a little.  My doula helped me calm down and kept me focused.  I made it through without any pain medication and no interventions.  It was really nice to have someone at our birth you had seen/done this before. It kept us both calm and it gave my DH a break when he needed to go to the bathroom or relax for a few minutes.  My DH and I think she was worth every penny and that she helped make our birth a wonderful stress free experience.  We plan to have a doula at our next birth (hopefully the same one)!

Here is a link for a previous post about experiences with doulas

 https://community.thebump.com/cs/ks/forums/thread/70323741.aspx

Blackrose1918

I had a doula and the questions I fouind to be most helpful in figuring out iff she was right for us were:

Why did you decide to become a doula?

What are your thoughts on epidurals/analgesics?

What is your birth philosophy?

What techniques will you be able to use to help me in labor?

ETA: She was beyond worth it. If at all possible, she will be at every single one of my births. I recommend her to all of my friends. Even now, months later, we have and enduring friendship.

Junebugmomma02

Awesome! Thank you!

 

I am really excited!  My birth experience with my first child is not how I wanted it to be. I am hoping with someone there to offer support that knows what they are doing will make this go round much better!

briannabeebug

Blackrose1918:

I had a doula and the questions I fouind to be most helpful in figuring out iff she was right for us were:

Why did you decide to become a doula?

What are your thoughts on epidurals/analgesics?

What is your birth philosophy?

What techniques will you be able to use to help me in labor?

ETA: She was beyond worth it. If at all possible, she will be at every single one of my births. I recommend her to all of my friends. Even now, months later, we have and enduring friendship.

i'm a doula candidate--still working on getting certified--and preggers at the same time!  

Anywho, I think the epidural question is a hard question to ask.   Doulas are not meant to give their personal opinions--they are there to support you in your decisions.  We are permitted to educate if a client asks but education of course has to be balanced too.

 If I was asked this question I would tell you as my client my personal opinion and make sure you are aware that just because I have an opinion about something doesn't mean I'm going to enforce it on you--because it is your birth and your body--you know your body more than I will ever know and I will 100% support you in all you decisions.

So yeah if you do ask you doula her personal opinion be aware that just because they have an opinion doesn't mean they are going to force it on you.