How to Choose the Right Doula for Your Pregnancy and Birth Experience

Choosing a doula is one of the most important decisions you can make during pregnancy. This person will be with you during some of your most vulnerable, intimate, and powerful moments. They will witness your strength, help protect your peace, and support your birth plan when you may not have the energy to speak up for yourself.

For families in Wisconsin, especially Black and Brown families, choosing the right doula can make a meaningful difference in the birth experience. Here is a detailed guide to help you find the doula who fits your needs, your personality, and your values.

Begin by understanding your needs

Before choosing a doula, take time to think about what matters most to you.

Ask yourself questions such as:

• Do I want someone who has a gentle, calming presence or someone more energetic and hands on

• Do I want someone who understands my cultural background

• Do I want support in navigating medical systems

• Do I want a doula who is experienced with certain hospitals or birth centers

• Do I want someone trained in specific comfort techniques or childbirth methods

  
  

Understanding your needs helps you begin the search with clarity and intention.

Consider the type of support you want

There are multiple kinds of doulas, and your needs may extend beyond birth support.\

• Birth doulas help during pregnancy and labor

• Postpartum doulas support the early days and weeks after birth

• Loss doulas support families through miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss

• Some doulas also offer childbirth education or lactation support

Think about what kinds of support will help you feel safe and prepared.

Look at training, certifications, and background

A doula’s experience and training can help you understand their approach and strengths.

Ask about:

• Their certification

• Their training program

• How many births or clients they have supported

• Any special training such as high risk support, trauma informed care, or feeding support

• Languages they speak

• Communities they have served

These details help you understand whether a doula has the skills and awareness needed for your unique journey.

Pay attention to personal connection

The doula and client relationship is deeply personal. It is important that you feel comfortable sharing your fears, preferences, and questions. During a consultation pay attention to how the doula makes you feel.

• Do you feel heard

• Do they speak respectfully and clearly

• Do they listen without judgment

• Do they make you feel safe

• Do you feel comfortable being yourself

Your intuition tells you a lot about whether the partnership is a good match.

Think about your values and preferences

WIDOCC builds this directly into the intake process. Families can share preferences such as:

• Someone comfortable supporting LGBTQ families

• Someone who respects your faith or spiritual practices

• Someone familiar with your cultural traditions

• Someone skilled in trauma informed care

• Someone with experience supporting teen parents or high risk pregnancies

• Someone who speaks a specific language

  
  

These preferences matter. Birth is too personal to ignore your instincts about compatibility.

Why WIDOCC’s matching process helps families feel confident

At WIDOCC families are not randomly paired with the next available doula.

We look at:

• Your location

• Your due date

• Your personality

• Your communication style

• Your preferences

• Your needs

• The type of experience you want

Our goal is to match you with someone who will support you with care, respect, and cultural understanding.

Choosing the right doula is really about choosing the right partnership.

With the right person at your side, you can move through pregnancy and birth feeling supported, prepared, and empowered.