Finding an incredible doula doesn’t have to be hard. Here at Doulas of Long Beach it is our goal to make this process easy and stress-free! Our highly vetted, professional doula network is available to you, free of charge - all you have to do is follow the steps below.

First, take some time to evaluate what you really what out of your birth and postpartum experience. What type of support do you need? What are you and your partner’s expectations or goals as you become parents? Finding the perfect doula match means first knowing exactly what matters to you and why.

Some things to consider:

1. Your philosophy and values around parenting and birth. Is it important to you that your doula has similar philosophies or beliefs? Or is it enough that she respects your choices even if s/he wouldn’t make the same choice?

2. What is your budget? And what services do you hope to have included in that budget? Some doulas provide packages that cover the basics, while others have add-ons which include private classes or placenta encapsulation. What can you afford without breaking the bank? What are you willing to spend more money on?

3. What are your expectations for the doulas training and experience? Are you open to a newer doula who charges a bit less or do you want someone with a certain amount of experience?

Once you’ve established your own needs and expectations you can begin your doula search by filling out our inquiry form. We ask for some in-depth information so we can best match you with qualified providers that meet your criteria. It’s helpful to us that you share some information about your birth/parenting philosophy and any special requests as well as your budget.

We review all of the information you submit and begin finding you matches within our established network of incredible birth and postpartum providers. We look at your estimated due date, location, where you plan to give birth, as well as all those extra details you shared.

Within 2-3 business days we send you a list of up to 4 curated matches for you to review. Take some time to look over their profiles and review their services, then let us know who you’d like to interview.

We share your care requests and contact details with your preferred matches and have them reach out to you to introduce themselves and schedule interviews. Keep in mind, most doulas are offering virtual interviews at the moment, due to the rise in coronavirus cases. This is for everyone’s safety, but thankfully technology makes face-to-face interviews still possible!

Expect to receive a check-in email from us to confirm that your doula matches have been in touch and that you’ve had a chance to schedule interviews. If not, it will be our pleasure to help expedite the service and make sure you get to interview doulas as soon as possible!

Here are some helpful tips when connected with your doula matches pre or post-interview

1. Prior to interviewing, we recommend confirming their availability for your due date. We do our best to keep up with our team’s calendars, but doulas can book up fast and their availability can change quickly.

2. When scheduling your interview, confirm how the interview will be conducted: in-person, via Zoom, over the phone, etc. and confirm the date and time.

3. Know that birth doulas especially have wonky schedules and while it is rare, they may need to reschedule due to having to attend someone’s birth.

4. When interviewing, invite your partner to join on the call and ask as many questions as you need to. Listen carefully to their answers and make note of the doula’s personality, etc. This is someone who is going to be by your side during some very intense and intimate moments. Ask yourself if this is someone you’ll feel comfortable being vulnerable with or someone you can relax around. Google “doula interview questions” and we promise, a lot of good options will come up!

5. While we check references and run background checks, you can ask the doula for references if you like. Speaking to past clients may help in making your decision.

6. Review the doula’s fees and contract. If she created a specialty package for you, make sure there’s information on exactly what’s included in the services you plan to book.

7. Take your time, but trust your gut!

When the time comes and you’re ready to hire your doula, send us your top pick and we’ll help finalize the hiring process. Once your contract is signed and your retainer fee is paid, your doula will reserve your due date on their calendar and your services will officially be booked! And you’ll breathe a sigh of relief knowing that you’ve crossed “hiring a doula” off your to-do list and that you have wonderful, compassionate, and well-rounded support available to you as your family grows.