Finding the right doula is a bit like dating—What is the vibe? Do I feel safe around this person? Do they make me feel calm? Are they listening to me? Can I trust them? You’ll start with a conversation with owner, Jane, about what you’re looking for. Then she’ll make a recommendation about which doula or doulas to connect with.

Jane, the owner of Boston Area Doulas, vets every doula affiliated with Boston Area Doulas. She is a mother, doula, and worked personally with a doula. In addition to the doulas meeting the professional and safety requirements, she asks herself, “would I feel confident and comfortable with this doula supporting me and my family?”

Things to know about Boston Area Doulas:

• We are compassionate, evidence-based, non-judgmental.

• All doulas have gone through an extensive interview process, including reference checks, an external background check.

• All doulas maintain active doula certification after their training and pursue ongoing education.

• All postpartum doulas hold up-to-date infant CPR/first aid certification and renew every two years.

• All doulas are Tdap vaccinated.