• Antepartum Doulas provide help and support to the mom who has been put on bed rest or is experiencing a high risk pregnancy. They provide informational, emotional, physical and practical support in a situation that is often stressful, confusing and emotionally draining.
• Postpartum Doulas are there to support you in your first weeks of being a mom. They provide informational support on feeding and care for the baby. They provide physical support by cleaning, cooking meals and filling in when mom needs a break, and they provide emotional support by encouraging a mom during those times when she feels overwhelmed.
• Some doulas are trained in more than one area and can provide service as more than one type of doula.

Finding a Doula

The most important thing in deciding on a doula, is finding someone you feel comfortable with and confident in. Most doulas do not charge for a free initial consultation and interview, so take the time to interview a couple until you find the one that meets your needs.

Questions to Ask a Potential Doula:

• What training have you had?
• What services do you provide?
• What are your fees?
• Are you available for my due date?
• What made you become a doula?
• What is your philosophy on childbirth?
• Could you meet with me at home before the birth to discuss my birth plan?
• What happens if you are not available at the time of my birth?

Resources on Doulas

• Mothering the Mother: How a Doula can help you have a shorter, easier and healthier Birth by Marshall H. Klaus, Phyllis H. Klaus, and John Kennell.
• The Doula Book by Marshall H. Klaus, John Kennell, and Phyllis H. Klaus.
• The Doula Advantage by Rachel Gurevich.
• Doulas of North America (DONA)
• Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association (CAPPA)

  You can also call the American Pregnancy Association at: 1-800-672-2296 for a list of doula referrals in your area.

Sources:
¹Hodnett ED. Gates S Hofmeyr GJ. Sakala C. Continuous Support for women during childbirth. Cochrane Databse of Systematic Reveiws.(3) CD003766, 2003.
²Klaus, M., Kennell, J., Klaus, P. Mothering the Mother.: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company, 1993.

Reprinted with permission from American Pregnancy Association