Question about doulas

• 07-10-2008 2:12 PM

  Mrs Garcia Joined on 09-03-2007 The ax forgets; the tree remembers~African proverb Posts 219

  Question about doulas Reply Contact This may be a silly question, but I haven't had to do this before so I'm a little in the dark.  I didn't need a labor coach last time as my labor was actually very easy and very unexpected.  It was almost pain-free, but I wasn't laboring with a term baby.  What sorts of questions should I be asking when looking for a doula?  How do I know if it's the right fit?  Obviously, my instinct should tell me.  But I'm worried that I won't know what to ask her so maybe my instincts could be wrong.  This is also going to be a VBACC birth which may or may not be well-received by the nurses on duty when I go into the hospital to deliver.  Also, what services do they typically provide besides labor coaching?

• 07-10-2008 8:43 PM

  In reply to

  Chamelyan Joined on 10-30-2007 Midwest Posts 119

  Re: Question about doulas Reply Contact It's a lot like a job interview, this time you're doing the hiring.  You may want to ask some basics, like how long she's been a doula and how many births she has under her belt.  Then you may want to ask some questions along the line of your own support, like what will she do if you say you want an epidural during labor, but she knows you're planning a natural birth? or What support will you offer during pushing?  You may want to have a rough draft of your birth plan already printed up when you interview her, this way you'll have an idea of the support you'll receive on the issues you're most concerned with during the birth.    Other than being a coach, a doula can help you communicate with the nurses and OB by helping you ask the right questions, being an advocate for you, and basically helping to filter out anyone that isn't going to be an asset to your birth.  If you have a meddling relative who keeps trying to get into the room, she can help keep them out.  If your husband is nervous about seeing you in pain, she can help him give you a comfort technique, etc.  She's basically there to cater to all your needs and make sure you have all the info you need to make the decisions that are right for you.

• 07-10-2008 10:06 PM

  In reply to

  lncooper Joined on 10-09-2004 Geneva, NY Posts 1,682

  Re: Question about doulas Reply Contact You're going to want to mix in the 'normal' birth questions with the VBACC questions. Obviously, you have specific needs and concerns, being VBACC, so you're going to want to ask questions specifically regarding that to feel out their comfort level. You aren't going to want to go with someone who is paranoid about that. You want someone who acknowledges how your birth is special, but still treats you as the capable birthing mama that you are. I know all too well how hard it can be to distinguish between instinct and fear. Try writing down a list of questions, and don't limit yourself. It's ok to ask as much or as little as you want. Ultimately, YOU are the boss, and you need to choose someone who you trust to support you in your most strong-but-vulnerable time. You're right that being a VBACC may or may not be received well by the staff on hand at the time, so make sure you come right out and ask your potential doula(s) about their comfort with this. Not only how will they support you, but how will they support you in spite of how the staff may treat you? Before hiring a doula, I suggest that you have a good idea of the kind of birth that you want and the compromises that you are (or are not) willing to make ahead of time in mind while interviewing, and ask questions based around that. You already have to have the kind of birth you want in mind in order to ask the kind of questions that will lead you to know if a particular doula will be a good fit for you or not. Don't be afraid to ask very specific questions- be afraid of not asking ;) Anything goes, just ask!

• 07-11-2008 2:00 PM

  In reply to

  *Christa* Joined on 09-06-2005 Posts 461

  Re: Question about doulas Reply Contact I started by email these questions to all the doulas & interviewed 3 based on there responses.  I put in an X where you need to fill in your own info.  Just giving you a place to start.  Like others said, you'll know when you interview them if they are a right fit for you.  I googled doula, my city name & VBAC.  If they didn't mention VBAC in there profile, I didn't even bother contacting them with the questions below.  For me they needed to be supportive & familar with VBAC's, that was not an option for me.  1.      Are you available for an early to mid November birth?  My EDD is November 14th.   If the answer is No, then no need to respond to the remaining questions…. 2.      Please note that I live in NE Portland, but hopefully will be living in NW Portland by my EDD.  Is this within the distance you are willing to travel?   I plan to deliver at X hospital.  3.      Have you had any experience with VBAC’s? 4.      Have you provided doula services for other women who have used my doctor (Dr. X) or maternity practice (X)? If yes: What was that experience like? 5.      Have you provided doula services for other women who have given birth at X? If yes: What was that experience like? How long have you been a doula? 6.      How many births have you attended? 7.      How do you view your role at the birth? 8.      What are your fees? 9.      How are your fees paid? 10.  What do your fees cover? 11.  Anything else you’d like to share? These are the additional questions I asked int he actual interview & my notes: Notes: ·          Discuss Hannah’s birth·          I’m looking for someone who does not mind speaking up on my behalf.  Are you willing to ask the doctor for some time to discuss my options, if I don’t feel up to speaking up?  Do you mind asking the doctor what happens if we wait an hour, is the baby’s vitals o.k., etc.?  I plan to be able to ask these things, but who knows how I will feel while I am in labor.  I want someone to be there to support me & remind me of my wishes, but someone who also may not mind speaking up on my behalf if needed without giving me medical advice.Do you have any other clients who are due around that time?Do you have any arrangements for back-up if you are not available to attend my birth? Can I meet the individual who may be backing you up and providing doula services for me in labor? Can you share your experiences at my hospital?   How do they treat VBAC moms differently from any other mom?Do you feel comfortable speaking up for me if needed? Do you have any experience with being able to tell the position of the baby? What is your opinion on laboring at home as long as possible?  I discussed this with my ob & she wants me to come to the hospital as soon as I am having regular contractions for 1 hour, even if they are 8-10 minutes apart.  Note: my hospital has wireless monitorsWhat kinds of things would you do to help me cope with labor pain? Are you comfortable with being a hands on doula if needed? When would you come to be with me in labor? How long would you stay after the birth? Will you review my labor and birth experiences with me postpartum?