Episode 17: Questions to Ask a Potential Doula: Interview with Shari Aizenman

The goal of the episode today is to give expecting parents a list of questions to ask potential doulas that they are considering including at their birth and to discuss why having a doula at your birth is important.
I was so excited to interview my Doula today, Shari Aizenman! In addition to being a Doula, Shari is also a Craniosacral Therapist and Massage Therapist. Shari knows everything there is to know about birth and babies! In our episode today Shari discuss what a Doula is exactly, she shares her journey to becoming a Doula and finally we share our Doula interview questions.
Some of the topics we cover:

• A Doula is: someone who supports and educates families in the childbearing year and beyond. They are a supportive, non-judgmental and non-medical member of a birthing person's birth team
• Don't be afraid to change healthcare providers while you are pregnant if your provider isn't meeting your needs or doesn't share your values
• "The Baby Guides the Birth"
• There is no room for you to care about anyone else's feelings while you are in labor!
• Midwife model of care vs. Midwives who work under a Medical model of care

Below are the questions that Shari and I created for you to ask a potential Doula:

• Are you available to take me on as a client? (ideally you ask this before an interview!)
• Why did you decide to become a doula?
• What keeps you coming back to birth support?
• What are your fees and why do you charge what you charge?
• What is included in your service? Do we meet in person, how often, how do you like to communicate, via email, phone, text?
• What resources (articles, books, emails) do you provide/recommend to your clients? What topics are important for you to share with clients?
• How do you manage your client load?
• Who are your backup doulas should you not be able to attend my birth and who pays that person?
• Can you tell me about the most challenging birth you have attended?
• Where did you receive your training?
• What is your birth philosophy?
• Have you worked with my provider before/been to a birth where I am choosing to deliver? What were your experiences like with either?
• At what point in my birth do I contact you and will you come to my home while I labor?
• How long will you stay with us after I deliver? And what is your role during that time?
• Do you have any references or testimonials?

How to get in touch with Shari:
Website: www.bodyworksatlanta.com
Email: [email protected]

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