How do I pick my Doula?
Babies, families, doulas, doctors, ob’s, nurses, midwives… that’s quite the team of people involved in birth… not to forget herbalists, chiropractors, acupuncturists, naturopaths, physiotherapists, pelvic floor specialists… anyone else? Kitchen sink?
How did you go about picking these people? Where did you find them? Are they working? Do you like them?
Birth team: parents, medical professionals… who else? Doula? Friends? Family?
The reason I bring this up is that parents often times don’t really know, what they don’t know. Which can work for and against you. Ignorance IS bliss, yet knowing and being informed about choices and impact in birth is important. In my humbled opinion, having a doula present at birth is the best of both worlds.
We know what you don’t know, we can see a little further down the road than you because we know how birth works. We don’t necessarily know how YOUR birth is going to turn out, yet we are here to hold space for your birth to unfold as it does. By showing up invested in holding space, we do not hold value in “expectations of birthing outcome”. The best way we can support you is by being present.
So how you find the right doula? First talking with your birthing partner (dad, mum, friend, whoever) and start sharing what you each want out of birth. Get on the same page. Then reach out and see if there’s a doula association near you (there may be many options to choose from, depending on where you live).
If you’re in the Kelowna BC area, you can check out the Kelowna Doula Association to see a current list of doulas, also Doula Match to find a doula in your area.
Doulas that are apart of an association usually have to show a certificate of training/graduation from a doula program. The association works with birth centres/ hospitals/ local medical professionals to keep a positive working relationship, all while keeping your needs, desires, wishes our top priority.
Interview a number of doulas: you might find “the one” on your first shot, chances are you won’t. Get a feel for what you’re looking for in terms of support and be clear. We are workers that often times have families, other jobs, and very passionate about showing up for you. The more clear our communication is, the better we can support you.
Kids, make good choices.
Erika The Doula