I can't believe we first launched this podcast in 2018, and this is my very first solo episode! We have been playing around with the idea of incorporating solo shows into our podcast for a bit. Now that this is my first one, I am super excited to hear what you guys think about it. Because my career background is heavily tied around birth and my work as a doula, I thought "How to Choose the Right Doula for You" would be a great first solo episode for me to share my thoughts and advice with all the pregnant mamas. What the heck is a doula? If you are pregnant or have been pregnant in the recent past, you have probably heard the word “doula.” Some of you might be getting some witchy, burning sage, banging-on-the-drum vibes when you read/hear this word. And for those of you who have used a doula during your birth experiences, you may be laughing to yourself as you read this because you know that while we can do those things, if that is what you want as the birthing mother, we don't really do those things. That's at least speaking for myself and many of the doulas I've worked with and know. I have been a doula for the past 13 years and have attended over 300 births in many different settings — mainly hospitals, a few birthing centers, and home births. I first started working with moms and attending births in 2011. I can’t believe it's been 13 years, and we’re in 2024. For those of you who have never heard of the word "doula," it’s actually an ancient Greek word meaning ‘woman servant, caregiver, or a woman who serves.’ More recently, it refers to a trained and experienced professional who provides continuous physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother and her partner during pregnancy, labor, childbirth, and their postpartum journey. In This Episode In this episode, I talk about the different types of doulas there are and my 6 steps to help you pick the best doula for you. I even include a FREE printable of interview questions you should be asking doulas when you are interviewing them. (Click the show notes link to download it!) Please share your thoughts with us and leave us a review on my very first solo show. I'd love to hear what you think and what you would add to my list. And join us on our podcast's Instagram page @thebabychickchat to continue chick-chatting with us! https://www.instagram.com/thebabychickchat/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices