B born 7/15/13, C born 3/2/15, #3 on the way May '17
I’m a modern man, a man for the millennium. Digital and smoke free. A diversified multi-cultural, post-modern deconstruction that is anatomically and ecologically incorrect. I’ve been up linked and downloaded, I’ve been inputted and outsourced, I know the upside of downsizing, I know the downside of upgrading. I’m a high-tech low-life. A cutting edge, state-of-the-art bi-coastal multi-tasker and I can give you a gigabyte in a nanosecond! I’m new wave, but I’m old school and my inner child is outward bound. I’m a hot-wired, heat seeking, warm-hearted cool customer, voice activated and bio-degradable. I interface with my database, my database is in cyberspace, so I’m interactive, I’m hyperactive and from time to time I’m radioactive.
Re: Choosing a Doula
I did end up picking largely based on availability and cost last time (prices range from $300-$1200 here; we hired one that was $450 last time).
I did ask a few questions from the DONA site: https://www.dona.org/mothers/how_to_hire_a_doula.php
You should look for someone you like, "click" with, and that you would want to have around on a really hard day.
I would do Skype over phone interviews as possible, but I wouldn't have my mom interview them.
Natural Birth Board FAQs
Cloth Diaper Review Sheet
How did you pick your doula? first, she was recommended by a friend. Then her price was in a range we were comfortable with. We took her experience into consideration. Lastly, we considered how she answered questions.
What questions did you ask when you were selecting yours? Many of the DONA questions PP posted. I also asked about what was her most rewarding experience and most difficult experience while performing her doula duties. I also asked why she chose to get her certification through the organization that she did.
What qualities should I look for? Someone that you "click" with and you feel will be both supportive and honest. You don't want someone that will only tell you what you want to hear, if it's not in your best interest. For example, this doula (while working with my friend whom was going for a home birth) encouraged my friend to transfer to the hospital (along with the suggestion of the MW) though it wasn't what my friend wanted to hear.
Do you think it would be best to just phone interview them or have my mom go meet a few in person as well? I say YOU and YH should interview the doula either over the phone and/or skype. This is your decision, who you like may not be who your mom likes. Your mom isn't giving birth with her, you are. You need to like and be comfortable with your doula not your mom.
Check out my Team Green baby names! P.S. I'm not serious with any of the names
My BFP Chart
BFP 9/7/12, EDD 5/15/13
MW interview said 5/17/13 and changed back to 5/15/13 after first visit
Thank you ladies for your replies! I hadn't thought of Skype, that's definitely something we can do. Unfortunately meeting the doula in person won't be possible. We aren't moving to MN until May (my third trimester) and by then it may be too late to choose someone as I guess July is a busy month.
B born 7/15/13, C born 3/2/15, #3 on the way May '17
I’m a modern man, a man for the millennium. Digital and smoke free. A diversified multi-cultural, post-modern deconstruction that is anatomically and ecologically incorrect. I’ve been up linked and downloaded, I’ve been inputted and outsourced, I know the upside of downsizing, I know the downside of upgrading. I’m a high-tech low-life. A cutting edge, state-of-the-art bi-coastal multi-tasker and I can give you a gigabyte in a nanosecond! I’m new wave, but I’m old school and my inner child is outward bound. I’m a hot-wired, heat seeking, warm-hearted cool customer, voice activated and bio-degradable. I interface with my database, my database is in cyberspace, so I’m interactive, I’m hyperactive and from time to time I’m radioactive.
I picked my doula based on her being a Bradley teacher, being recommended by my midwife, her personality, and how much interaction she offered during the pregnancy.
I would start interviewing the,m on the phone and Skype to see if anyone really has the vibe you're comfortable with.
I would ask how long they'll spend with you in labor, what types of births they've attended, their impressions of your hospital options, if theory do post part um as well as labor, if they offer lactation support (if you plan to breastfeed), what types of tools theory bring for labor (ambient sounds, massage tools like tennis balls, oils for your shoulders/back), does she do pictures for you during labor/birth (if you want therm), and just her thoughts about birth in general.
good luck finding the right fit!!