Share This! How to Hire a Birthworker: A Step-by-Step Guide for Finding Your Perfect Birth Support

A Between resource for expectant families navigating the doula selection process

Finding Your Perfect Match: The Journey to Hiring a Doula

Deciding to work with a doula is a wonderful first step toward a supported birth experience. But how do you find the right person to accompany you on this intimate journey? At Between, we’ve guided countless families through this important decision, and we’re sharing our expertise to help you find your ideal match.

Step 1: Understanding Your Own Needs and Priorities

Before you begin your search, take some time to reflect on what matters most to you in your birth experience. This self-reflection creates a strong foundation for finding a doula who truly resonates with your needs.

Consider Your Birth Philosophy

Every family has unique values and expectations around birth. Ask yourself:

• Are you hoping for an unmedicated birth, planning an epidural, or keeping all options open?
• What role do you envision your partner playing during labor?
• How do you feel about medical interventions if they become recommended?
• What cultural or religious practices are important to incorporate?

There’s no right or wrong approach—the key is finding a doula who can support your vision, whatever that may be.

Clarify Your Budget Expectations

Doula fees vary widely based on experience, location, and services included. Most birth doulas charge between $800-$2500, while postpartum doulas typically charge hourly rates ($25-$50 per hour).

When considering cost, remember that doula support is an investment in your birth experience and early parenting journey. Many doulas offer payment plans, and some have sliding scale options or scholarship positions for families with financial constraints.

Determine What Level of Experience You Need

Consider what’s most important to you:

• A highly experienced doula with many births under their belt
• A newer doula with fresh training and potentially lower rates
• Someone with specific expertise (like twins, VBAC, or cesarean support)
• Particular certifications or specialized training

Step 2: Conducting Your Initial Search

With your priorities clarified, it’s time to begin your search for available doulas.

Use Between’s Specialized Search Tools

Our platform makes it easy to find qualified doulas in your area:

• Enter your due date and location to see who’s available
• Browse profiles, noting those who’ve recently updated their availability
• Review their training, experience, and approach to birth support
• Look at their testimonials from previous clients
• Check if they have specific expertise that matches your needs

Create a Shortlist

After reviewing profiles, select 3-5 doulas who seem like potential matches. Don’t focus solely on years of experience—sometimes a doula with fewer births but whose personality and approach resonate with you can be the perfect fit.

Step 3: Making Initial Contact

Reaching out to doulas on your shortlist helps you narrow down your options before investing time in face-to-face meetings.

Send a Thoughtful Inquiry

Whether by email or phone, your initial contact should:

• Confirm your due date and their availability
• Briefly introduce yourself and your partner
• Share a few key aspects of what you’re looking for in a doula
• Ask about their basic service offerings and price range
• Request a time for an interview if you feel it’s a potential match

Evaluate Their Response

Professional doulas typically respond within 48 hours. Pay attention to:

• How promptly they reply
• The warmth and clarity of their communication
• Their willingness to answer preliminary questions
• Your intuitive feeling about their energy and approach

This initial interaction can tell you a lot about their communication style and professionalism.

Step 4: The Interview Process

The in-person or video interview is perhaps the most important step in finding your doula match. This meeting gives you a chance to assess the personal connection that’s so crucial for birth support.

Choose a Comfortable Setting

Select a location where you feel at ease:

• Your home for maximum comfort
• A quiet café or library
• A video call if meeting in person isn’t feasible
• The doula’s office, if they have one

Prepare Thoughtful Questions

While specific questions will depend on your priorities, consider asking:

About Their Practice:

• “What drew you to becoming a doula?”
• “How many births have you attended? In what settings?”
• “What is your philosophy around birth support?”
• “How do you work with medical providers? Have you worked at my birth location before?”
• “What happens if you’re ill or unavailable when I go into labor?”

About Their Support Style:

• “How do you support partners during labor?”
• “What comfort measures and techniques do you use most often?”
• “How do you help clients advocate for themselves while maintaining positive relationships with medical staff?”
• “Can you share a challenging birth situation you’ve supported and how you handled it?”

About Logistics:

• “What services are included in your fee?”
• “What is your availability around my due date?”
• “How many prenatal and postpartum visits do you provide?”
• “When do you go on-call for my birth?”
• “What does your contract include? What are your payment terms?”

Observe the Intangibles

Beyond the answers themselves, notice:

• Do you feel comfortable and at ease with this person?
• Do they listen attentively and answer questions thoroughly?
• Do they respect your preferences without imposing their own beliefs?
• Can you imagine being vulnerable with them during labor?
• Does your partner also feel a connection with them?

Remember: birth is an intimate, vulnerable experience. Your comfort with your doula is paramount.

Step 5: Due Diligence Research

After interviews, take time for deeper research before making your final decision.

Check References

Don’t hesitate to ask for and contact references from previous clients. Some questions to ask:

• “Did your doula arrive promptly when called?”
• “How did they interact with medical staff and your partner?”
• “Were they responsive to your needs during labor?”
• “Did they provide the support they promised?”
• “Would you hire them again? Why or why not?”

Verify Certifications

If certification is important to you:

• Check their certifying organization’s website to verify their credentials
• Understand what standards of practice they adhere to
• Find out if the organization offers a grievance process should issues arise

Review the Contract Carefully

A professional doula will provide a clear service agreement covering:

• Exactly what services are included
• Their on-call period
• Backup arrangements
• Payment schedule and refund policies
• Communication expectations
• Additional fees for circumstances like very long labors

Don’t hesitate to ask questions about any aspect of the contract before signing.

Step 6: Making Your Decision

After completing your research, trust your instincts about which doula feels right for your family.

Listen to Your Gut

Often, the right choice becomes clear once you’ve met several doulas. The person who makes you feel most at ease, understood, and supported is likely your best match—even if they don’t have the most experience or the fanciest website.

Consider Your Partner’s Input

Since your doula will support both of you, your partner’s comfort and connection with the doula matters too. Discuss your impressions together before making a final decision.

Finalize the Arrangement

Once you’ve chosen your doula:

• Sign the contract and make any required deposits
• Schedule your prenatal visits (ideally starting by 32-34 weeks)
• Add them to your contact list and ensure they have your updated information
• Inform your healthcare provider about your doula
• Share your birth preferences and any specific concerns

Step 7: Building the Relationship

The weeks before birth are precious time to develop rapport with your doula.

Make the Most of Prenatal Visits

Use these meetings to:

• Discuss your birth preferences in detail
• Practice comfort measures and positions
• Address any fears or concerns
• Ensure your doula understands what’s most important to you
• Include your partner in learning support techniques
• Clarify communication expectations for early labor

Maintain Open Communication

As your due date approaches:

• Update your doula about any changes in your health or birth plan
• Ask questions that arise from prenatal appointments or reading
• Share any developing concerns or anxieties
• Confirm their on-call status as you near your due date

Special Considerations

Hiring a Postpartum Doula

If you’re seeking postpartum support, the process is similar, but consider these additional factors:

• What hours will you need support? Days, nights, or both?
• What specific help do you most need? (Breastfeeding, baby care, household help, emotional support)
• How soon after birth would you like support to begin?
• How long do you anticipate needing assistance?

Finding a Doula for Special Circumstances

If you have specific needs, look for doulas with relevant experience:

• High-risk pregnancies
• Multiple births
• VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean)
• Planned cesarean support
• Pregnancy after loss
• Single parenting
• LGBTQ+ family support
• Cultural or religious specific practices

Timing Your Search

Ideally, begin your doula search in the second trimester (around 20 weeks) to ensure availability of your preferred choices. In high-demand areas, experienced doulas may book up 4-6 months in advance.

A Partnership for Empowered Birth

Remember that hiring a doula creates a partnership for one of life’s most transformative experiences. The right doula doesn’t direct your birth—they amplify your voice, support your choices, and help you navigate the unexpected with confidence and dignity.

At Between, we’re committed to helping you find a doula who honors your vision, supports your unique journey, and helps you step into parenthood feeling empowered and respected.

Browse our carefully vetted doula community today, and take the first step toward creating your ideal birth support team.

Between connects expectant families with exceptional birth professionals who understand the profound importance of personalized, respectful birth support.

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