We LOVE and highly encourage Doula support and the DFW area has many great ones to choose from! Our goal is to help you succeed in the birth of your dreams at DFW Community Birth & Wellness and we know that having a doula GREATLY increases your chances of having an unmedicated out of hospital birth! Statistics are on our side with this one, feel free to check out this handout from Evidence Based Birth on the Benefits of Doulas.

We are excited to announce DFW COMMUNITY DOULA NETWORK where your very own concierge doula coordinator assists in finding you a perfect doula match! Saving your hours of research and interviews.

So what exactly is a doula?

A doula is a trained birth professional who provides physical, emotional and informational support to individuals before, during and after childbirth. Doulas do not take the place of your midwife but their role makes them an important part of your birth team. Think of her as your best friend in labor who knows everything childbirth related! Your very own personal childbirth educator who can do magical hip squeezes!

Why do I need a doula if my partner is supportive and involved?

A good doula makes your partner the star of the show! As midwives and doulas we know birth, but your partner knows YOU best. We all work together to support you in achieving your best birth. Your doula provides continuous support throughout labor guiding you when to call your midwives. She also knows when to give you and your partner space, coaching them through the process as well.

When should I hire a doula?

The sooner the better as you want to build a connection with your doula. Many doulas take a limited number of clients, so they can book up quickly. Many offer prenatal education consults and some even join in on your birth plan appointment with us.

How do I know which doula to hire?

Trust us, you’ll know. While it’s important to us that your doula has out of hospital birth support experience, connection is key. We want you to walk away from the interview not being able to imagine your birth without that specific midwife.

What questions should I ask a doula during the interview process?

• How long have you been a doula, and how many births have you attended?

• What kind of training or certification do you have?

• Are you experienced in out of hospital birth?

• Have you worked with my midwives in the past?

• What is your availability around my due date?

• How many clients do you typically take on per month?

• Do you have a backup doula incase you are at another birth or are sick? Am I able to meet them beforehand?

• What does your support look like in labor? What comfort measures do you use?

• What is your philosophy on birth?

• How will you support my partner and involve them in the birth?

• How will you help me and my partner feel comfortable and confident during labor?

• How many prenatal visits do you provide? What do those visits look like?

• What kind of postpartum support do you offer?

• How do you prefer to communicate and how often leading up to the birth?

• How do you handle communication during labor? When should I contract you once labor begins?

• What is your fee, and what does it include (prenatal visits, labor support, postpartum visits)?

• Do you offer payment plans?

• Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?

• What is your refund policy if something unexpected happens?

• Do you offer any additional services (childbirth education, lactation support, postpartum care)?