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 mother, doula, and worked personally worked 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 have 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.