How to Find the Best Doula for You
Cape Fear Area Doulas offers the most comprehensive listing of doulas in Southeastern North Carolina. The Doula Directory is a great place to start your search. All of the doulas listed in the directory welcome phone calls or emails. We all love talking about birth and would be happy to discuss any questions or concerns you have about anything birth related.
After you have called or emailed the doulas who interested you, it is a good idea to meet with the doulas you are considering in person. Most doulas offer a free, no obligation consultation. This is a great way to find out how well you would work together. These meetings can be more formal like an interview or as causal as you would like them to be. Pay close attention to how this person makes you feel. Do you feel like she understands where you are coming from? Does she make you feel excited about having your baby? Do you feel comfortable? Is she easy to talk to? Meeting with a few doulas can make the choice more clear. Every woman is unique, the perfect doula for your neighbor may or may not be the perfect doula for you!
On average the doulas in our area charge between $400 and $700. If that is outside of your price range it is still a good idea to interview the doulas you are interested in. Many of doulas are willing to barter, charge on a sliding scale, or volunteer. There may also be doulas who are just getting started and not yet charging for their services. If your partner is serving in the military overseas contact Candice about getting a volunteer doula through Operation Special Delivery.
If you need additional assistance Carrie, the CFAD Membership Coordinator, is available to give referrals or answer questions about specific doulas.
Here are some questions you may want to ask a prospective doula:
- What training have you had?
- What is your philosophy about childbirth?
- How long have you been practicing?
- What services do you provide?
- Do you come to our home, or meet us at the hospital?
- At what point during labor do you ask to be called?
- What comfort measures have you used for pain relief and relaxation?
- Have you worked with my midwife/doctor before?
- Do you have experience teaching how to breastfeed?
- What is your on call availability? Do you have a lot of other responsibilities?
- Do you work with one or more backup doulas, and can we meet with them?
- What is your fee?
- Do you have past clients I can talk to about your work?