Ten Questions to Ask About Your Postpartum Doula
We know that deciding on a postpartum doula is a big decision! After all, this person is going to be with you for days and weeks after the birth of your baby. It is important to feel safe and secure about your decision to hire a doula. Here are ten questions to ask about your postpartum doula! For birth doula questions, read here.
1. Are you a trained postpartum doula?
Many doulas are not trained in postpartum support. Just being a parent or a birth doula isn’t enough. Your doula should be trained in postpartum doula services, and either certified or working towards their certification.
2. Do you have your first aid and CPR training?
Doulas are not medical care providers, and in an emergency they should always be calling 9-1-1. However, having their CPR training means that in case anything happens, they can help.
3. Are you insured?
Insurance is the mark of a professional. All well-established professions and professionals carry liability insurance and your doula should too.
4. What is your availability?
Depending on when you would like your doula to start, postpartum services can be as unpredictable as birth doula support. After all, no one knows quite when your baby will arrive! It is important to know that the doula or doulas working with your family will be able to provide the shifts you are looking for, regardless of when your baby is born.
5. Are there any scheduling requirements?
We know that life with a new baby is unpredictable, you may not know what you will need. Some flexibility is important and helpful, after all, you don’t want scheduling your doula to be an added stress! You should also know what the cancelling and rescheduling policies are, as well as how long shifts need to be.
6. Are you up to date on your vaccinations as per the Health Canada schedule?
Whether you plan to vaccinate or not, you should ask this question. Your doula should be open about answering. Knowing the answer will make you feel more comfortable.
7. What is your parenting philosophy?
The way you parent and raise your child will be uniquely yours. Whether you believe in schedules, attachment parenting, or something in between, you should know that your doula will support you wherever you are in your parenting journey!
8. What do you think about “breast is best”?
No matter what your feeding plans for your baby are, things don’t always go as planned. A doula who has an agenda, or is pushing you to feed your baby a certain way, is not going to be helpful. Your doula should be able to support you in any feeding choice you make, without trying to convince you to change to their way of thinking.
9. What kind of resources do you have in the community?
Sometimes the things that come up are outside of a doulas scope. For a family that is struggling with breastfeeding for instance, a doula may not be able to help enough. Doulas should have a list of other professionals that they are comfortable referring clients to. These professionals may include lactation consultants, paediatricians, or mental health supports.
10. Do you have an end date?
Some training organizations teach that postpartum doulas should only work with a family in the first twelve weeks. Others believe that doulas can and should support the family as long as that support is desired, because every family has different needs. If you plan on have doula support longer, you should ensure your doula is able to meet that need.