How To Choose Your Doula

The moment you saw those two pink lines you were flooded with emotions, tears, and everything to do with pregnancy, birth, and baby. Somewhere along the line you've come across people having doulas attend their births and read all about doulas on social media and online. Now that YOU'RE the one pregnant, you want to look into having one for your birth.

Why is having a doula important? Your doula is there to be your emotional, physical, and informational support during pregnancy, labor, and delivery. She is there to give you tailored support to fit your needs and birth. Having a doula lower the risks of medical interventions during birth and the chances of having a cesarian. She is not there to make decisions for you, but she is there to help advocate for your choices and to support you in every decision you make.

Now that you know why doulas are important, how do you choose one? Choosing a doula shouldn't be nerve wracking. To start, do a search of doulas in your area and the services they provide. Ask other moms in your area on who they used at their births and their experience with them. Almost every doula has free consultations that you can set up so you can meet them before hiring one. Here are some things to consider when choosing your doula...

• How do they make you feel?

• Do you feel comfortable around them?

• Are they easy to talk to?

• What are some things that we have in common?

• Is she certified or is she experienced?

Remember, they are going to see you are your most vulnerable. You may or may not be thinking about it, but they will be seeing you naked or partly naked buring birth. You need someone who you can build that relationship with before your birth so you can feel the most comfortable during your labor. The thing is, if you're not comfortable or feel safe with a person or environment, your body will hold your baby back and slow labor down until you feel safe again. That is why being comfortable with your doula is so important.

There are so many amazing doulas out there who are ready to help you have the best birth possible. Your birth is a lifechanging and an intimate experience that is worthy of being euphoric. If you have any questions about finding a doula or about my services, please feel free to shoot me an email and I'd love to chat with you!

I hope you have the most amazing day!

~Virginia Catlett, The Spiritual Birth Doula