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Hiring A Doula

We've got exactly what you're looking for!

Pregnant families often wonder what they should ask potential doulas in order to find their ideal fit. We have crafted "Questions To Ask A Doula: A Guide For Parents To Be." booklet. These questions will help you find your ideal doula. Doulas are trusted, knowledgeable professionals that foster empowerment throughout your birth and parenthood journey. Finding the ideal doula allows you, the birthing person, to rest easy knowing they will support your curated goals and desires for your birth journey.

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The Doula Directory helps expectant families find a professional or student doula for support before, during and after childbirth. The doulas listed in our directory are held to the highest professional standards and each doula is a member of our Doula Network Australia Community (DNA). A labour support specialist - called a “doula” - is with you during childbirth to help you stay calm, Informed, prepared, supported and comfortable as you move through your birthing process. To give you information & evidence about your care and help you achieve your goals for a positive and supported birth. We encourage you to meet and talk with different doulas, and to download our guide and bring this list of questions to your meetings with doulas.

Create a list of doulas to interview.

• Search our doula database at www.douladirectory.com.au to find doulas near you.

• Ask your friends and family which doula they used for their birth or postpartum experience. Were they happy with the experience?

• Ask your healthcare provider to recommend a few doulas who might be a good fit for you.

• Check with local parenting groups, childbirth educators and community resource groups.

Set up an interview location and time.

• Pick a few dates for conducting your interviews. Plan no more than an hour for each interview. If you have a partner, try to have them person attend too.

• Reach out to potential doulas via email or phone. Expect to discuss the following items:

A little about you and your birthing plans
Details you need before setting up the time to meet (fees, availability for your estimated due date)

• If you hold multiple interviews, you can do them back to back or spread them out.

Conduct your interview.

• Remember, the purpose of the interview is to see if a particular doula is a good fit for you. It is also to see if you are a good fit for the doula. Sometimes you’re just not compatible, and that’s OK.

• Select from the interview questions included in our guide. You don’t have to ask every question. You might choose a few open – ended questions that will allow you to get to know the personality and style of the prospective doula.

You’ll find your perfect doula match, and when it happens, it’s often like magic – it just feels right!

Sign a contract or sleep on it.

• Sometimes you know it’s the right match at the interview. It’s fine to sign a contract on the spot, but many families also like to take some time to think about which doula is the right fit.

• If you take a few days to think about it, confirm your decision together and contact your doula!

• Be aware that many doulas are busy and may lose availability if you wait too long to respond.

• As a courtesy, consider contacting the other doulas to let them know you have made the decision to hire a different doula and thank them for their time. Doulas understand and want you to find the right fit for your family.

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Find a Doula to support you and your partner. No matter the Journey ahead Doula Directory is here to connect you with the right doula - We are Australia's most trusted doula directory & Network.