HOW TO CHOOSE A DOULA

The two associations to look to for registered doulas are Mama Bamba and WOMBS (Women Offering Mothers Birth Support). “Start off with a few basic questions, such as: where she was trained, how long she’s been a doula for, if she attends home, private/public hospital births and what her rates are,” advises WOMBS chairperson Gayle Friedman. “Then make sure she’s a good personality fit. Make sure you know what you’d like in a doula. For example, some women want someone of the same religion. Then always meet to see if she’s a good fit. Have Dad come to the meeting, as some fathers can feel put out by a doula and may be reassured to know they aren’t being replaced as birth partners.”