FINDING THE RIGHT BIRTH DOULA

The doula profession is changing, and unfortunately the service is not what it used to be.  The cost is as high as ever, and services have been watered down.  At Cascade, we advocate for expectant parents to hire a "classic birth doula," who provides a complete package for a reasonable fee.  It is important that you know what to expect and ask the right questions to make sure you are getting the best service in your area.

A classic birth Doula will have a flat fee/package fee and offer you at least the following:

• Three prenatal visits (at least one in-person)
• Attend your birth from early active labor until 1 hour postpartum
• Provide 1-2 postpartum visits
• Be available by phone during business hours and 24/7 for emergencies

The Classic Doula will:

• Supplement your childbirth education
• Help you make a birth plan
• Practice comfort measures at home
• Meet you in early labor (3-5 cm) 
• Remain with you throughout your labor and delivery and will only leave for short periods to refresh
• Advocate for you by providing reassurance, information, and physical comfort measures
• Remain for at least one hour postpartum 
• Help establish breast-feeding 
• Meet with you for at least one postpartum visit (preferably two) 
• Charge you a flat fee for the entire package
• Offer a partial refund if she misses the birth
• Have a back up doula in the event she cannot attend your birth
• Be on call for 2 weeks prior to your due date
• Work as a liaison between you and your birth team
• Offer you a contract that includes a provision for a refund if she misses the birth due to something on her end
• Support your spiritual preference and needs (Prayer, scripture reading, etc.)
• Leave personal problems, politics, or drama at the door and focus on a positive birth experience for you and your baby
• Help you achieve the birth you desire as much as possible

The Doula should not:

• Charge you by the hour.
• Offer a block of time and then start charging by the hour after that.  
• Perform any clinical tasks (Blood pressure, cervical exam, etc.)
• Offer medical advice
• Make decisions for you
• Create a hostile environment with your birth team
• Argue with your care provider
• Have a personal agenda on how your birth should go
• Leave for extended periods
• Break your confidentiality

 When interviewing a doula, these are some important questions to ask to ensure their approach aligns with your needs and preferences:

General Experience

1. What inspired you to become a doula?

2. How long have you been practicing as a doula?

3. How many births have you attended?

4. Have you worked with families in situations similar to mine (e.g., first-time parents, VBAC, high-risk pregnancies)?

Training and Certification

5. Where did you receive your doula training?

6. Are you certified? If so, through which organization?

7. Do you participate in continuing education or workshops to stay current?

Availability

8. When do you go on call for my due date, and how will I reach you?

9. What happens if you’re unavailable when I go into labor? Do you have a backup doula, and can I meet them beforehand?

Support Style and Approach

10. How would you describe your role during labor and delivery?

11. What techniques or tools do you use to help with pain management and comfort during labor?

12. How do you support both the birthing person and their partner?

Pre- and Postpartum Support

13. How many prenatal visits do you include in your service?

14. Do you have a refund policy if you miss the birth?

15.  What church do you attend?