---
title: How To Choose The Right Doula For You
date: 2019-11-11T03:00:00-05:00
author: OBOS Admin
canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/how-to-choose-the-right-doula-for-you"
section: Resources
---
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[Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# How To Choose The Right Doula For You

Things to consider when choosing a doula include cost, certification, and more.

> There is evidence that a doula can provide both physical and emotional support, as well as a variety of other benefits, some of which include a lower chance of Cesarean and a higher rate of satisfaction with the overall birth experience.

[Read the full article ](https://lifehacker.com/how-to-choose-the-right-doula-for-you-1839693204)

SOURCE: Life Hacker • AUTHOR: Carrie Murphy • LAST UPDATED: November 11, 2019

![A happy pregnant woman sits on the couch being checked by her doula](data:image/png;base64,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) [AntonioDiaz](https://stock.adobe.com/contributor/201590104/antoniodiaz?load_type=author&prev_url=detail)/Adobe Stock

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics

- [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth)
- [ birth care providers](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/birth-care-providers)
- [childbirth choices](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/childbirth-choices)
- [doula](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/doulas)
- [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth)

![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** 

- We rigorously evaluate all content
- We embrace a reproductive justice framework
- We don’t accept ads or sell products
- We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry
- We counter misinformation and disinformation
- We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality

[read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us)

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##### More to Explore

[ResourcesRead

## A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.

![Pregnancy is not supposed to kill us - Yet I almost died TWICE](data:image/png;base64,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)

A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-personal-story-on-the-dangers-of-childbirth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.

![My Story- Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-overcoming-challenges-during-pregnancy)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Deciding Where to Give Birth

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.

![My Story- Deciding Where to Give Birth](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB explains how she decided to give birth in a hospital.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-deciding-where-to-give-birth)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.

![My Story- Cultivating Confidence During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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)

MB shares how she prepared herself for pregnancy and birth and how childbirth classes and books shaped her perception of childbirth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-cultivating-confidence-during-pregnancy)

[ResourcesLook

## Black Birthing Bill of Rights

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.

![Black Birthing Bill of Rights scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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)

The Black Birthing Bill of Rights is a resource for self-advocacy and for prompting policymakers and institutions to better support Black pregnant people.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-birthing-bill-of-rights)

[ResourcesRead

## Black Midwives Through Time

This timeline, developed by Black midwife Shafia Monroe, provides a brief overview of the long history of Black midwives, from the Biblical Shiphrah and Puah in approximately 1500 BCE.

![nurse-marguerite-white-gives-demonstration-in-postnatal-care-at-mothers-club-e87d9f-1024](data:image/png;base64,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)

This timeline, developed by Black midwife Shafia Monroe, provides a brief overview of the long history of Black midwives, from the Biblical Shiphrah and Puah in approximately 1500 BCE.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/black-midwives-through-time)

[Stories & ConversationsWatch

## Managing My Pregnancy While Dealing With Endometriosis and Asthma

CB shares her experience of pregnancy and birth while managing stage four endometriosis and asthma.

![Carlisa](data:image/png;base64,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)

CB shares her experience of pregnancy and birth while managing stage four endometriosis and asthma.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-managing-my-pregnancy-while-dealing-with-endometriosis-and-asthma)

[ResourcesWatch

## The 4th Trimester Bodies Project

After a traumatic birth experience, ash luna struggled to find support as a nonbinary parent of a child with a disability. So they set out to create their own community. This effort transformed into the 4th Trimester Bodies Project.

![A screenshot from the presentation that includes the torso of ash luna breastfeeding her baby](data:image/png;base64,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)

After a traumatic birth experience, ash luna struggled to find support as a nonbinary parent of a child with a disability. So they set out to create their own community. This effort transformed into the 4th Trimester Bodies Project.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/the-4th-trimester-bodies-project)