From the moment you find out you’re growing a little babe inside of you, to the moment they meet the world, it is a transformative time for you. You embark on this journey of finding yourself as a mother, how to take care of your body, and how to have the best labor possible. That’s a lot. Doulas are here to walk alongside you and give you personalized intentional support that is unmatched with doctors, nurses, and midwives. This practice has been used for centuries and its not new or trendy. It is essential to surround yourself with a supportive team that understands your unique needs and empowers you through this unique time of your life.

You might be asking yourself… well how do I even find a doula in my small town!? I’d suggest looking into Meela.com or DoulaMatch.com. These two websites can easily show you who in your area has the availability for you and you can generally set up a virtual or in person consultation with them to ask them questions and see if they are a good fit for you.

First, I’d highly encourage you to understand the role of a doula. Doulas are there for informational, spiritual, emotional, and physical support. This looks different in each situation. They aim to bridge the gap between the provider and the patient. So often we see doctors barge into the room and demand a medical procedure without explanation that leaves you feeling lost in the process. You are NOT a process. You are NOT a procedure. A doula will help bridge that gap by helping you understand everything that’s happening to you moment by moment so that you are in full control of your treatment at all times. Another thing doulas do is foster intimacy between the family. With all the bright lights and fear that flood the room there is barely any time for the family (mother and father) to get intentional time together. Doulas help navigate the business of the room to slow down and experience each moment deeper. Physical support could look like counter pressure, aromatherapy, massage, helping with position changes, etc.

Now that you know doulas are highly valuable, let’s talk about your needs and preferences when it comes to hiring the right doula for you. You really need to ask yourself the question “Why do I want a doula?” Is it for emotional support? Mainly physical support? Is advocacy huge for me? Some doulas differ in what they are strongly suited in. Answer the question for yourself and you are one step toward finding the right match. Another thing to look into is things like communication style, ideology of labor, experience, and availability. If all of these things match with you then you have found your very valuable person!! Don’t take that for granted!!

Lastly, I’d recommend trusting your intuition. If something about this person just doesn’t click with you, trust yourself. This doula is going to be with you in the most vulnerable moments of your life. The person you hire needs to be someone you find comfort in.

Choosing the perfect doula is an intimate and personal decision and process. I believe that above everything else education is key. If you have made it to the end of this blog post you are one step closer to experiencing the labor you truly desire. I believe in you!