Looking for a Doula in Modesto? Here are some questions you will want to ask before you hire someone!

So, you are looking for a doula! That is so amazing.  I absolutely recommend hiring a doula. In my experience, doctors and nurses are a lot more willing to be respectful to your birth wishes if they know you have a doula present to help advocate for you. And if you are having a home birth, they can help support you in whatever way you need (minus the medical things!), such as helping you get into different positions to help speed labor, offering you food and drink,   Studies have shown that hiring a doula may result in:

• A 28% lower chance of having a c-section (may even be higher!)
• 31% lower chance of using synthetic oxytocin to speed up labor
• 9% lower chance of using pain medication
• 34% lower chance of rating your childbirth experience negatively.   (Source:  DONA International, 2024, from Childbirth Connection. “Best Evidence:  Labor Support.”  2011. Retrieved on 3/17.2021 from http://www.childbirthconnection.org/article.asp?ck=10174&ClickedLink=257&area=27

Doulas are great helpers before, during, and after birth. They do not deliver the baby, or conduct any medical exams or procedures, but they CAN help you emotionally and physically prepare for labor, DURING labor, and AFTER labor.  Some doulas offer postpartum support as well as lactation support.

If you are looking for a doula, you may be curious about what types of questions you want to ask them before you hire them.  And its definitely a good idea to have some in mind!

 

 

Here are some great questions to start! (from DONA International, Position Paper:  The Birth Doulas’s Role in Perinatal Care)

1. What training have they had? (are they certified? And with whom?)
2. Ask about their experience with birth, personally and as a doula.
3. Ask about their philosophy about birth and supporting client and their partners through labor
4. Ask if you can meet to discuss your birth plan and the role they will play in supporting you through labor
5. Ask if you can call them with questions or concerns before and after the birth
6. When will they join you in labor?  Will they go to your home or will they meet you at the hospital?
7. Will they meet you after the birth to review the labor and answer questions?
8. Will they work with any backup doulas for times when they are not available?
9. Are you able to meet the backups?
10. What are their feels and their refund policies?

Of course, these questions are just a starting point. It’s really important that you find someone who you feel comfortable with, even if they may not have as much experience as the next person. You will want to weigh out what is most important to you and your needs, and honestly, go with your gut!  There are so many amazing doulas here in the Central Valley.  I have met quite a few of them, not all, but I can vouch for the fact that there is absolutely one out there that you will feel good about.   And bonus, if you hire any of the doulas in my network, you will receive 20% off a birth photo/video package of your choice. It’s a win for everyone!

If you would like the comprehensive list of local doulas (all of whom are in my network! I have tried to include everyone in the area that I have found and verified!)  and pregnancy/post-pregnancy support in the Modesto area, be sure to fill out my form HERE 🙂

Have a beautiful day, and happy doula hunting!!

-Shayna