Questions to ask your doula:
When you are looking for a doula, there are some questions that you might want answered. DONA.org suggests that when you interview your doula, you should ask them the following questions:
1. What training and education do you have?
I attended a DONA doula training in 2000 with Ginger Breek, Paula Adams, and Rebecca Cartlidge. I completed the certification requirements and became a DONA-certified doula. Over the years I joined other birth organizations such as ALACE, CAPPA, ICAN, and LLL as well as teaching private birth education and infant feeding classes through WIC in Muncie & Evansville, Indiana. I have participated in birth & midwifery study groups consistantly from 2000 through today. In 2008, I attended a Lamaze Childbirth Educator training taught by Robin Wiess, am currently offering private as well as group classes within the community and am awaiting to sit for the certification exam.
2. What is your philosophy about childbirth and supporting women and their partners through labor?
My philosophy about childbirth comes down to this. I believe that families should have freedom to make the best choices for themselves. I believe God created women to give birth. However, I also recognize that medical intervention has its place and when used correctly, can allow mothers and babies to be with us that would not otherwise have survived the process of birth. The choice is not mine to make. Each family must prayerfully search out what choices are best for their birth. What an awesome responsibility the Lord has given us as guardians of the lives He entrusts to us! I believe that every woman deserves a supported birth and can benefit from having a Doula. From homebirth to a scheduled cesarean, mothers can benefit from the personalized care of a Doula.
3. When do you try to join women in labor - at our home or at the place of birth?
I am completely comfortable providing support in any setting. If you desire to labor at home for a while before going to the hospital, I am glad to come and support you in your home. If you want me to meet you at the hospital, I will do just that. This is a flexible point to me, it is completely up to you. If you are having a home birth, I just come straight to your home for the duration, at your discretion.
4. Will you meet with us to discuss our birth plans and the role that you will play in supporting us through childbirth?
I provide prenatal visits to discuss your birth plan, and to help you feel comfortable with me as your doula prior to your birth. Two prenatal visits are included in my fee. But I can coordinate my errand-running trips with meetings to avoid any gas surcharge for extra visits.
5. May we call you with questions or concerns before or after the birth?
Once you sign a service contract with Evansville Birth Services, you have my phone number and are invited to call any time you have a question or concern: before or after delivery. If you MUST call at 3am, hopefully it will be for labor and delivery or for an emergency, otherwise I might be grumpy.
6. Do you work with one or more backup doulas for times when you are not available? May we meet them?
I do have a backup doula, and she is available to meet with you prior to the birth.
7. What is your fee, what services does it include and what are your refund policies?
I prefer to discuss my fee in person, after we have met and your financial status is evaluated. I believe that everyone deserves a doula, and if finances are the only block, then the fee can be adjusted according to your income.
My fee includes two prenatal visits, 24-hour on-call for questions or for the birth, continuous support at your birth and early postpartum (usually two hours postpartum), and a postpartum visit to discuss your birth and for questions or feedback.
My refund policy is outlined on my contract, but if I am unable to attend your birth due to an issue on my end, you will be refunded the fee. If you fail to call me in time to attend the delivery (often I need at least an hour for travel time), there will not be a refund.
8. Will you provide references?
I can provide references from colleagues and previous clients for your review upon request.