An experienced doula is highly recommended for all clients birthing at the North Carolina Birth Center, but especially first-time parents and those planning their first birth without an epidural. We at the birth center gain nothing financially from you hiring a doula but recommend them solely based on the fact that doulas are an evidence-based option for improving birth outcomes. See all the evidence supporting doulas.

***Note: County location is based on business address, not the service area. When interviewing, it is recommended to confirm service area.

- You can expect a formally written agreement (contract) with your Doula for services including qualified backup if they are not available.
- Your Doula will be present to provide informational, emotional, and physical support.
- Your Doula will be in contact with you during labor--initially by phone/text and then in-person at your home prior to leaving for the birth center.
- Your Doula will support you through labor, birth, and for a mutually agreed upon period of time after the birth.
- Your Doula will continue to stay with you through the birth regardless of location.
- Have you attended an unmedicated birth in or outside of the hospital? If yes, what did your clients find helpful while coping with their discomfort?
- The North Carolina Birth Center advises clients to labor at home for early and the start of active labor. Can you talk about how you plan to help at those stages of labor?
- Please share your expectations of your clients.
- Are there any requirements you have for folks you take into your care?
- When supporting families who plan to give birth without pain medication, what have you found to be most helpful to help prepare them for laboring at home?
- What are your communication requirements?
- Do you work with a partner or back up?
- How do you foster those relationships to reduce stress on us should they be needed?