We think the best way to find a doula is to attend one of the Parent Topic Nights offered by The Childbirth Collective every week in St. Paul and Minneapolis, and semi-weekly or monthly in Bayport, Duluth, and Fargo, with occasional events in Winona. Several doulas attend each class to answer questions and talk with parents informally after the presentations. This allows parents to decide which doulas to interview having already met them face-to-face. If you attend several meetings, you will typically meet from six to a dozen doulas. This can save you a lot of telephone and interviewing time. In addition, the classes are fun and informative. For a schedule, directions and description of presentations click on Parent Topic Nights.

In addition to Parent Topic Nights, you can find lists of doulas on the web by going to the national organizations that certify doulas. These include DONA (Doulas of North America),
CAPPA (Childbirth and Postpartum Professional Association), ALACE (Association of Labor and Childbirth Educators), and
ICEA (International Childbirth Education Association). They provide lists of doulas currently certified through their organization.

The most important quality to find in a doula is a presence in which you feel completely comfortable, and that your partner is comfortable, too. She will be present at one of the most intimate moments of your life, hopefully helping to protect and promote that intimacy. You need to have a feeling of trust and confidence in her after you've met and talked. No matter what her other qualifications and experience, you must have a definite sense that her presence will be comforting on this very special day in your life, your birthing day. Below is a list of questions you can ask a doula during an interview that address her philosophy, training, experience, and range of service.