Finding the right birth doula can feel like dating, so why not treat it that way?

First dates are awkward. You meet at a coffee shop anxious to know if there will be a connection. Will they like me? Will I like them? What if they aren't my type? How do I let them know if I'm not interested without hurting their feelings.
Sounds like the perils single life in the city, but this blog isn't about the Vancouver dating scene, it's about finding a birth doula.

For those who don't know, a doula is someone who supports women and their families during labour and childbirth as well as postpartum. A doula is different from a Midwife or Obstetrician in that a doula has a non-medical role during the birth, focused on the comfort, mental-emotional well-being and general support of the woman and her family. Doulas vary greatly and can provide adjunct services such as massage, photography, breast feeding counseling, birth plan advocacy etc...
Needless to say finding the right fit, one who instils confidence and puts you at ease, is a lot like find a good partner.

So how does one find this perfect birth team match? This is where the dating comes in.
Most Doulas are open for a meet and greet either at an office, a home or more casually at a coffee shop. This is a great opportunity to get a sense of who they are, how they work, what they offer and if you connect with them. Don't be discouraged if you are unsure or resistant to commit to the first couple of Doulas, this is a deeply personal time for you and your family, so finding a good match may take a few tries.
Word of mouth is another great way to get introduced to a Doula. Ask around, have any of your friends or colleagues used one? What was their experience?
A few of Acubalance's Doula favorites include; Jaquie Munroe, Michelle McLean and Morag Hastings.

Another option for those who want to expedite the process and eliminate any awkward 'we're just not that into you' moments with prospective Doulas, is Doula Speed Dating. This is a great idea! So much so, that I wish I had thought of it first.
Doula speed dating is much like normal speed dating. The event invites multiple doulas to come and then prospective clients take 5-10 minutes going from Doula to Doula asking questions and getting a sense of who they connect with best. Genius!

There are a lot of different options for finding a great team to support your birth. There is no right or wrong answer.

Whether you choose a Doula or decide to go without, Acubalance can help support your pregnancy, prepare you for the birth, and care for you postpartum.

To find a list of Doulas in your area check out: Doula Services Association
For more information on Acubalance prenatal and postpartum care as well as cervical ripening visit: Acubalance Pregnancy and Postpartum Care

Congratulations and best wishes on your journey!