Life Birth Hands
 
Questions for a Doula.... As someone who will be a constant for you in your birth journey there are some important questions to ask to evaluate whether or not she is a good match for you... What training have you had? Upon deciding to become a doula and aspiring to continue my education to receive a Bachelors Degree in Midwifery, I have read extensively on antepartum, intrapartum and postpartum topics. Being a mother I find it invaluable to educate myself in all aspects of parenthood. I have been trained by internationally approved facilitators through DONA International. I also strive to learn from every woman, every baby and every birth I attend. What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor? I believe all women have an inherent ability to give birth. I think we have lost some of this trust through our birth culture today. Many places around the world, besides North America, envision birth giving as a natural process that is given respect and time to happen. Cesarean rates and rates of intervention in other countries are far lower when birth is not handled in such a technocratic model. I also have great respect for women and families who take responsibility in their care and empower themselves to be a part of their birth journeys and not just standing by to be delivered. Having said that I also believe every woman is unique and individual, and should have the right to be informed about all aspects of her care. Labour is undoubtably unpredictable but should be treated with respect. The ability to trust your intuition and seek internal guidance is a gift women need to call upon more often. Partners of a laboring women also need to be shown respect and support. Not knowing what to expect but to have someone reassuring can make all the difference. When do you try to join women in labor? Do you come to our home or do you meet us at the place of birth? I will join a woman in labor when I am called upon to do so. Many first time mothers are unsure and need extra support which I can provide over the phone initially or come to see you as labour progresses. It is a play by play situation and you are in charge of your journey, I will be there when you need me. May we meet with you to discuss our birth plans and the role you will play in supporting me (us) through childbirth? I would like to meet with you at least twice before your birth journey. Trust is important in a doula - mother to be relationship and if we both know what to expect from one another I can better support you through your journey. I like to think of birth plans as birth wishes, as plans seem to suggest an inevitability, and labor is unpredictable. May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth? I am happy to answer questions or concerns before and after birth, if I don’t know the answer I will direct you to the information and or appropriate services. I am on call 24/7 for you during your birth month, meaning two weeks prior and post estimated due date. Outside of this time feel free to call during waking hours. Do you meet with me (us) after the birth to review the labor and answer questions? You will likely live your birth journey over and over in your head. It’s an exciting time in your life, and one you likely won’t forget. I am grateful to be able to experience this journey with you and hope to provide for you photographs and a written birth journey through the eyes of your doula. I like to schedule a postpartum meeting at your convenience shortly after your birth. Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet her/them? Should the need arise for someone other than myself to attend your birth I will provide you a list of several doulas. I suggest meeting your back-up doula and discussing your wishes prior to your birth. What is your fee, what does it include, and what are your refund policies? Currently a nominal fee is charged to offset the cost associated with attending a birth. These fees are charged in association with experience a doula has with attending births. My gratitude and appreciation for allowing me the opportunity to learn from your birth journey. Can you provide references? Yes. When you meet the doula (and it is a good idea for both of you and your partner to meet her), pay particular attention to your personal perceptions of the doula. Is she kind, warm, enthusiastic? Is she knowledgeable? Does she communicate well? Is she a good listener? Is she comfortable with your choices or does she seem to have her own agenda? Do you feel comfortable with her? The way you feel with her may be more important than the number of births she has attended. You may want to interview more than one doula and make a comparison to help you find the doula who is right for you. ©DONA 2002 Permission granted to freely reproduce in whole or in part with complete attribution. 403-852-3345 Little Origin doula services info@littleorigin.ca Calgary birth doula supporting women and families through labour and childbirthmailto:info@littleorigin.cainfo@littleorigin.ca
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