Anyone using a doula?

Re: Anyone using a doula?

• rowanthefrog member

  December 2010

  Yup.  I didn't have one the first time, but I'm going for a hypnobirthing VBAC this time and I really want/need the extra support.  Everyone I know who has had a doula has always raved about it.  I'm excited about mine.

  
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  M/c #1 - 10/30/07 - 5w3d, DS1 - born at 36w, M/c#2 - 12/7/09 - 5w, M/c #3 - 1/13/10 - 4w6d, 

  M/c #4 - 3/16/10 - 5w1d, DS2 -  born via VBAC at 40w3d, M/c#5 - 11/5/12 - 7w2d

  BFP #8 - 5/5/13- Looks like a sticky one! DS3 - born via epi-free VBAC at 39w1d

  Recurrent Chemical Pregnancy blog
  

  
  

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• march2008 member

  December 2010

  I plan to, but have not yet starting calling around for interviews.

  
  
  DH: 34/Me: 35
  Married: Feb 2008
  DD: June 2011
  TTC# 2: April 2014
  BFP!! 8/29/16 --> EDD: 5/11/17....it's a GIRL!!!
  

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• BetchySprout member

  December 2010

  I have sent out a few feelers but am waiting to the new year to start any interviews. The problem is that there are maybe 4 in my ICAN group and I would prefer someone I don't already know and have a pre-set notion of. 

  ZYZ Sewing blog of a sewing Noob

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• Xles10

  December 2010

  Yes! I think the most important thing is to find someone who makes you feel comfortable.

  

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• pixieprincss member

  December 2010

  You are probably already done with your meeting, but here is the sheet I created for interviews. We didn't go through it in a formal way, we just chatted but this helped guide me and ask follow-up questions when needed.

  Background and Philosophy

  Why did you become a doula?

  What training have you had? What was required in order to receive any certifications?

  How many births have you attended?

  Are you familiar with (name of birthing locavion)?

  Are you familiar with how (my HMO) does births?

  Tell us about some of your birthing experiences.

  Can you give an example of a time when an intervention was truly necessary and how that decision-making process went? What about a time when the parents declined an intervention?

   

  Which labor-coping techniques do you think tend to be the most helpful?
  What is your experience with the (our birthing method)?

  Are your familiar with dealing with (my unique health issues)?

   

  Business Details

  Do you have a backup arrangement with another doula?

  What if I deliver early or late when you are on-call for other clients?

  What's your fee? What does your fee cover? How many visits or hours? What's your refund policy?

  What does the doula expect from you? (Contract, questionnaires, birth plan, etc.)

   

  Preparation

  Do our visions align? Healthy baby, healthy mom but birth preferences (talk through sheet if appropriate)

  May we call you with questions or concerns before and after the birth?

  What is your philosophy about birth and supporting women and their partners through labor?

  How would you work with and involve my partner?

   

  Birth

  How do we get in touch with you when labor begins?

  When would you join me during labor? Do you come to our home or meet us at the place of birth?

  How would you coach us through deciding on interventions?

  Do you meet with us after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?

   

  Overall impressions

  Do I feel comfortable around this person?

  Is she warm, enthusiastic, and knowledgeable?

  Does she communicate and listen well?

  Will she support my choices or does she have her own agenda?

   

  

  
  More Green For Less Green

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• LadyXaverian member

  December 2010

  I'm pretty sure dona.org has a  list of questions. I interviewed a doula and she pretty much answered all of my questions before I could even ask them.

  
  

  Our sweet girl is 3!

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

  
  

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