Congratulations!

You have discovered you are expecting a baby(ies). You probably have already given some though to what your birth will look like, where you want to give birth, and what your birth support team might include. These are important decisions which can impact your labor and delivery, pregnancy, and postpartum period. You might even have began to search for a birth doula and/or postpartum doula. That is wonderful! Finding the right doula services for your needs is a great step towards composing your ideal birth and postpartum support teams.

Here are six of my top tips to help you find your right doula services.

1. Begin Your Search & Ask Friends/Family

The best place to begin your search for birth or postpartum support is by asking around. Ask family and trusted friends if they know of any birth professionals they would recommend. I would also search online or ask for resources from your current care provider.

2. Interview Potential Doulas

Once you have a list of a few doula professionals, it is good to set up an initial consult or interview process. This helps you to get to know them better in addition to diving into their social media presence and website. It also allows them to learn more about you and ask you some questions. Ask the questions which are important to you. It's important to feel comfortable with them so dive into their approach to childbirth, their philosophy, and how they got into doula work.

3. Prioritize Values and A Connection

When searching for your ideal doula, their values matter. Prioritize your connection and ask about their values. If their mission and values align with your ideal birth experience, then you probably will be a good fit for each other. Birth is a sacred and vulnerable moment and its critical to be around a birth team you feel safe, secure, and at peace with.

4. Compatibility & Good Communication

Choose a doula with whom you feel connected, comfortable and confident with. Communication is a major aspect of this connection. Working with a birth doula or a postpartum doula who understands your needs will impact your perinatal experience.

5. Discuss Fees and Services

Discussing fees and services can take place during your initial consult. However, its worth opening the conversation up further with your leading candidate if you are unsure about pricing, payments plans, etc. Many doulas offer sliding scales and payment plans which strive for economic justice and accessibility of doula services for everyone.

I offer a sliding scale system which is designed to make my services more accessible for individuals of all socioeconomic backgrounds. I also am always willingly to take a deeper dive into payment plans and other resources to help clients cover their doula services.

6. Trust Your Instincts

Finally, when it comes to finding the right doula services, trust your instincts and gut. If you feel a genuine connection with a doula or like their approach to doula support, they are the right one for you.

By following these steps, you can find the right doula who will provide the support you need during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

If you want to learn more about me, my mission, my values, and my birth philosophy; I would love to connect. I hope I can walk alongside you in this sacred and transformative time in your life.