There are many ways to find a doula. A good start though is to contact one of the following certification groups:
Doula UK
Doulas of North America (DONA)
Birthworks
Association of Labor Assistants and Childbirth Educators (ALACE)
International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)
Other ways to find a doula include:
Ask your midwife or obstetrician
Call local birth centers
Go to a La Leche League meeting and ask members for referrals
Questions To Ask A Doula
When you are interviewing a potential doula, the following list of questions may be a useful reference. A personal rapport with your doula is important, since she will assist you during an emotionally and physically intense process.
Are you certified? By what organization? What kind of training have you had?
How long have you been working as a doula? How many births have you attended?
How many home births have you attended? Have you attended hospital births?
Tell me a little bit about the births you have attended.
What is your child birth philosophy? How do you support women and their partners throughout labor?
Do you work with one or more backup doulas (for times when you are not available)? May I meet them?
What is your fee? Is any part of your fee refundable if, for some unexpected reason, you do not attend the birth?
Can you provide references?