Have you considered using a birth doula? If you are considering it or are just curious, keep reading to learn more about my experience using one.
When I got pregnant with my first child, I knew I wanted to explore the possibility of hiring a birth doula. My husband and I discussed it and decided we wanted to learn more about the benefits of such a relationship.
How do you choose one?
I asked around! I reached out to friends, family, and mom groups to see if they had any recommendations or knew anyone who had experience using a doula they loved. I followed doulas I was interested in on social media. I browsed a website dedicated to St. Louis-based doulas. After narrowing down my top few, I reached out and set up interviews.
What is the interview process like?
Both of the doulas I interviewed came to my house for the meetings. They offered to meet me where I was most comfortable. Each interview lasted about 45 minutes to one hour, and it was very much a mutual interview. They have to be just as comfortable with you as you do with them. My advice would be to interview as many as you need to in order to find the perfect fit. These interviews should be free of charge.
What happens after you hire someone?
Every doula has their own expertise, techniques, and selection of services. Make sure you know what is included in hiring before you agree. Once I hired my doula, we kept in contact via email and text message. She was available if I had questions and offered to accompany me to doctor’s visits upon my request. Closer to delivery, we had a couple of in-person meetings that were about an hour a piece.
What does a doula offer?
My doula was knowledgeable about the labor and delivery process and was able to explain it more simply to me. She gave me exercises and stretches to do that made me more comfortable toward the end of my pregnancy. She provided another layer of physical and emotional strength during labor and allowed my partner to take breaks during a long labor.
What doesn’t a doula offer?
A doula does not replace your medical provider, and they shouldn’t be someone you go to if you are having concerns related to your pregnancy. A good doula will always advise you to contact your medical provider. They aren’t just for super ultra-crunchy gals, either. You don’t have to aspire for a medication-free home birth to benefit from a doula!
Some doulas are for birth, others for postpartum, and some do both. Identify your budget, narrow down what your needs are, and start looking for the right fit. I loved our doula and will never forget her. Two doulas in the St. Louis and surrounding areas I would recommend are Katie Mack and Megan Hidritch. You can visit my Instagram page @mandituhro to see a story highlight of my first hand experience using a birth doula as well as a guest takeover by Megan Hidritch, doula. I am an open book and would be happy to answer any questions!
