As a doula, my goal is to provide comprehensive support, information, and advocacy during your birth experience. To ensure that I can meet your unique needs and preferences, I will ask you some questions when you express interest in hiring me. It's important to make sure that I'm a right fit for you and your family, but equally important for me to ensure that you are the right client for me. Support is a two-way street, friends!
Other than the normal "housekeeping" things (birth location, estimated due date, etc.) there are some questions I may ask during our consultation....
What are your expectations and goals for your birth experience?
Your desires and expectations are the foundation of my support. When we discuss your birth preferences, hopes, and any specific elements you wish to incorporate it helps me get a picture of what your desires are.
What type of support are you seeking from a doula?
Every person has different needs during labor and birth. Whether you need more emotional support, physical comfort measures, advocacy during decision-making, or information about the birthing process. Knowing what your idea of doula support is allows me to evaluate if I can provide that type of support for you and your family.
Have you participated in any childbirth education classes or programs?
Hiring a doula is NOT a substitute for quality, comprehensive, evidence-based childbirth education. Nope, it isn't. Childbirth education plays a vital role in preparing you for labor and birth and it is incredibly difficult (near impossible) to educate you during your labor and birth. I strongly encourage (borderline insist!) that my clients take out of hospital childbirth education.
What type of healthcare provider are you working with for your pregnancy and birth? Understanding the dynamics between you and your healthcare provider is crucial for effective teamwork. By knowing the type of healthcare provider you are seeing, whether it's an obstetrician or midwife, I can better understand the approach to your care.
Do you have any specific concerns or challenges you anticipate during your pregnancy or birth?
By identifying any potential obstacles or worries you may have, I can offer guidance, support, and appropriate resources should you choose to hire me. A consultation is not necessarily the time to "pick my brain" because your specific concerns and challenges can be addressed in our prenatal visits and ongoing communication once I am hired.
Choosing the right doula is crucial for a positive birthing experience. By asking these essential questions, I gain valuable insights into your expectations, goals, and challenges to make sure that we would be a good fit working together. Our collaboration and open communication will ensure that I can provide the personalized care and guidance you deserve throughout your pregnancy, labor, and beyond. So, for as much as you're interviewing me, I'm interviewing you too!
Thanks for being here,
Nicole (doula)
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