More and more first-time parents are hiring a doula to help them in the delivery room. If you plan to hire one too, here are a few things you should keep in mind before you choose one.
Know What a Doula Does
Learn more about the tasks and responsibilities of a doula. Some of the services that you can expect from an experienced doula in NJ include:
- Looks after your physical comfort during labor. May use massage to help you relax or assist you by going over breathing techniques to lessen the pain.
- Provide emotional reassurance along with comfort and encouragement during labor to keep you motivated.
- Offers information about what’s happening, which is reassuring since it tells you that things are happening the way they should.
- Gives your family guidance. Your partner and family members may feel at a loss as to what they can do. Your doula can guide them along.
- Assist with breast-feeding. It seems easy until you’ve tried it and realize that it comes with difficulties, from holding your baby the right way to nursing your baby when you’ve got poor milk supply or sore nipples.
Look for Credentials
Check if the doula is certified. DONA International provides the largest and most well-known certification program, so you’ll want to look for that information. Go over the doula’s background and information to see the other services that your doula is capable of and trained for.
Pick the Right Doula
Doulas provide support during your pregnancy, during labor, and after birth. You can hire one to provide support throughout all three periods or get one to help you with the delivery or provide newborn care assistance after your child has arrived. Consider the level of support you and your partner need to help you choose the right person for the job.