Benefits Of Hiring A Doula- What To Look For And How To Find One

Benefits of Hiring a Doula- What to look for and how to find one

Have you thought about hiring a doula to assist you through childbirth or in the postpartum period? Let’s break down what doulas do, their scope of practice, who benefits from them, and what to look for in choosing one.

What does a doula do?

A doula is a non-medical professional who supports people during pregnancy, birth, postpartum and other life events related the reproductive journey. They have training and experience with a variety of resources and tools for the specific needs of their clients, and provide physical, emotional, and informational support during various stages of reproduction.

What is a doula’s scope of practice?

Doulas are trained non-medical professionals who bring resources, education, and support during pregnancy, birth and/or the postpartum period. They do not perform medical procedures or exams, and cannot make medical recommendations. It is important to remember that they do not have as much training as your healthcare provider or nurse.

What are the different types of doulas?

There are different types of doulas because people have different needs, and doulas can provide specialized support in many different circumstances.

Birth doulas- This is the type people are most familiar with. They are there to support and advocate for you throughout your pregnancy and birth experience.

Postpartum doulas- This type of doula focuses on helping new parents navigate the transition into parenthood as they find their new normal after the infant arrives.

Fertility doulas- Support people trying to conceive.

Bereavement doula-  Also called grief doulas, they provide emotional support and guidance for those grieving an abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.

Full spectrum doulas- These are available to support any of the processes related to pregnancy, postpartum, or other reproductive transitions.

This is far from an exhaustive list, people need support in different ways as they navigate all the circumstances surrounding childbirth, loss, adoption, and other life events. Different types of doulas provide customized care during these situations.

How long are doula sessions?

This is highly individual and depends on the needs of the family. Each doula or doula group has different packages. Birth doulas will often have perinatal appointments, will be there for a portion of the labor and birth and usually a postpartum visit. Postpartum doulas usually have hourly rates and/or packages available based on needs. A typical daytime postpartum session will last between 3-5 hours though can be longer depending on need. Overnight doula sessions are typically 8 hours.

Who benefits from having a doula?

Anyone. No parent has ever felt like they had too much support, and doulas come with a wealth of knowledge, resources, and experience to support you along your journey.

Are doula services covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans do not cover doula care, but some do. We advise you to check with your insurance provider to see if your plan includes coverage for doula services. In terms of specific coverage, Medicaid may offer doula services in some states for low-income individuals and families. Additionally,  health savings accounts (HSAs) or flexible spending accounts (FSAs) may cover doula care, and some private insurance companies cover birth doula services. Other alternative options for low-cost doula support may include non-profit organizations, doulas who offer sliding-scale fees based on income, or student doulas.

What are some things to look for in a doula?

Different doulas specialize in different areas, so consider what type of support you need and when you need it. For example, if you are planning to use a specific birthing method, choosing a doula who has training in that method can be helpful. If you have specific needs or goals in the postpartum period, look for someone with training or experience within your primary focal points. Above all, take care to interview multiple doulas and choose someone you feel like you can connect with and trust.

A few key questions to ask include:

What organization trained and certified you as a doula? Not all programs are created equal! This is an important question.

What is your experience level? If you are particularly anxious, don’t have a lot of other support, struggle with mental health issues, or have reason to expect a complicated delivery, it’s a good idea to make sure your doula has a lot of experience.

Are you CPR certified? Not all programs require this, however most doulas are certified in both infant and adult CPR.

What is your birth philosophy? Not all doulas approach labor support in the same way. Make sure your ideas surrounding pain management, partner involvement, and your birth location match.

Are you comfortable with my outlooks/beliefs/cultural practices? This is incredibly important in ensuring that you can establish trust with your doula.

What do your packages include? Make sure you understand their fees, expected payment structure, communication methods, and how they handle unexpected situations like a prolonged labor or cesarean delivery.

A doula can be an invaluable member of your birth team. Having emotional support in such a vulnerable time allows you to relax and know you have someone strong to lean on. Best wishes for a smooth delivery and happy, healthy baby and mama!

Questions about breastfeeding? Book a prenatal or postpartum consult with one of our Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs).

***The information provided on our website is intended solely for general educational and informational purposes only. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician for any questions you may have regarding your or your child’s medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have received in this information.***