How to Find a Doula http://doulatraininghq.com/

1. HOW TO FIND A GOOD DOULA
By Sophie Cosic

2. The Labor Support
Doula
 The labor support doula provides a continuous presence
throughout the birth, giving emotional and physical support to the
expectant couple. This can be very reassuring, especially in a
hospital, where staff changeovers are inevitable. During a birth the
doula will not perform any medical procedures, for example, heart
rate checks or other physical examinations. Their role is to comfort
and encourage the woman, incorporating relaxation techniques
such as aromatherapy, reflexology and massage. They may also
explain clinical procedures to the parents. A labor support doula will
assist in either a home or hospital birth and she will remain with the
couple and their baby for a few hours after the birth has taken
place, to help with breastfeeding or any other requirements the
parents may have.

3. The Postpartum Doula
 The postpartum doula is trained to provide
aftercare for the mother and new baby within the
family unit. She will assist the mother in all
aspects of childrearing and generally provide
emotional support.
She may also help with light housework, the
preparation of meals and to integrate the
newborn into family life.

4. Where to Find a
Reliable Doula
 Community Doulas are available to aid members of
society who are unable to receive adequate support
from others.They may include teenage mothers,
single parents and newly arrived immigrants.
The role of a labor support doula and a postpartum
doula are usually combined to provide continuous
and reliable assistance, both during and after the
birth.
Their services are low cost and sometimes even free.
Community doulas are usually accessible via a
hospital doula program, though not all hospitals
offer this service.

5. How much experiencedoes the doula have?
Do they havegood referencesfrom other,satisfiedparents?
Do they havethe right credentials?
Which relaxationtechniqueswill they use during thebirth?
What will the financialcostsbe?