What is a Doula? This is one of the most frequent questions I get asked. Hiring a doula may be one of the best things you do for your birthing journey! If you were to ask my husband he would tell you YES, get a doula! We were a big supporter of our doula who supported us for our two childbirths.
A doula can be defined as a trained professional who provides continuous physical, emotional and informational support to a mother before, during and shortly after childbirth to help her achieve the most healthiest, most satisfying experience possible.
DONA international gives a great analogy that a doula is like your travel guide in a foreign country, helping support families through a life changing experience.
You’re interested in having a doula, what next?
Call and schedule a time to meet with 1-3 doulas and interview each of them. You want to find a doula that both you and your partner feel comfortable with and someone that supports your birth plan. This is a chance to get to know one another.
Some questions you may want to ask:
- How long of have you been a doula?
- Tell me about your experiences?
- Have they worked with your MD or midwife before? That’s always an added benefit!
- What’s their availability?
- What’s their back up plan if they can’t be at the birth?
- Cost of their services and what does that service include?
Check out these doula websites for the KC area.
Full Circle Yoga in Overland Park was founded in 2017 by yoga teacher Jenny Hellman focusing on wellness in the early stages of family life from prenatal to early parenthood and the older adult years. Full Circle Yoga KC is an Overland Yoga Studio specializing in Prenatal Yoga, Baby Yoga and Chair Yoga for seniors.
