If you are expecting a baby or planning to be pregnant soon, chances are you have started researching everything about birth! Doula services will most likely come up in your research, and you will see tons of information online. It can be very overwhelming, especially if you don’t know exactly what you want or need.

My mother-in-law, Deborah, is a DONA certified doula in the Chicago metropolitan area. She has 4 children of her own that she delivered in various ways, including C-section and natural! She acted as my postpartum doula after Milo was born, and it was amazing. Having someone around to help with my toddler, cook, and cuddle the baby so I could shower was a huge relief. At the moment, Debbie is awaiting the arrival of her 6th grandchild! She agreed to do this Q&A with me to help clear up confusion surrounding doula services. Here are 5 things you should know before hiring a doula:

Q: I’m expecting my first baby this summer! Should I consider hiring a doula? I don’t have a birth plan yet.

The short answer is… it depends on you! This is the time to begin thinking about a birth plan. What kind of birth experience are you anticipating/hoping for? It’s impossible to plan every aspect of birth (babies do what they want!) but you CAN know ahead of time whether you want minimal intervention, or if you are 100% on-board with getting an epidural ASAP. If medical interventions sound great to you, a birth doula might not be beneficial, although a doula’s presence can also provide comfort and support for your partner (especially nervous new dads)!

You could consider a postpartum doula instead (more on that below). But if you want your birth to be as natural as possible, a birth doula can definitely help you achieve that goal. Studies have shown that your chance of delivering all-naturally goes up significantly by having a birth doula. 

Q: What’s the difference between a birth doula and a postpartum doula? Can I have both?

A birth doula is with you through labor and delivery. Usually their job ends shortly after delivery while you are basking in the newborn glow!

A postpartum doula is with you for the first few days or weeks after delivery, when you are home with the new baby. Some doulas are available for both services, and some only do one of them. When you are interviewing doulas, be sure to ask if they provide both services (see interview questions below).

If you are trying to save money, decide which service is more important to you. Maybe it’s your first baby and labor makes you feel nervous. In that case, a birth doula would be a great choice! On the other hand, if this is your 3rd or 4th baby and labor is a breeze for you, you might LOVE having a postpartum doula to help around the house when you bring the new baby home!

Q: Can I use a doula without using a midwife? I want to keep my OBGYN.

Absolutely. Most hospitals allow you to bring 2-3 people into the delivery room. In fact, I haven’t heard of any hospital that doesn’t allow that. You can choose whoever you want! A doula and your husband, a doula and your mom, a doula and your sister… it’s completely up to you, regardless of whether you have a midwife or a regular doctor.

Q: Where should I begin if I want to become a doula?

There are many ways to become a certified doula, and there are many doulas who are NOT certified. Surprising fact: it’s not a requirement! See the next question for more info on that topic. I highly suggest going through DONA International. They have extremely high standards, and deep training for all their doulas. They also do a great job pairing you with mentors and partners in the field. The certification process is pricier than others, but very worth the investment.

Q: What questions should I ask when I’m interviewing doulas?

First of all, ask about their experience. Are they certified? How long? How many deliveries have they assisted? How many of their clients had successful natural births (if that’s what you are looking for), and ask for references! If they offer postpartum services, ask for clarification on exactly what they provide. Will they do house work? Cook meals? Run errands? Or will they just help with the baby while you rest? Ask for a list of services and ask questions for clarity. You don’t want any surprises in the delivery room or afterwards when you have a new baby demanding your full attention.

I hope this Q&A was helpful for you! Do you have more questions about using a doula? Ask in the comments, and we will answer them for you! If you are looking for a doula in the Chicago metro area, send me an e-mail to get in touch with Deborah!