When we first started considering phasing out our agency and transitioning to a doula matching service, we had a lot of questions about how it would work and if it would be sustainable. One of the biggest joys in running our doula agency was having the opportunity to get to know our clients and support them through their entire journey. And while we knew we weren’t the first doula agency to have to pivot after independent contractor laws changed (nor would we be the last!) ultimately it was important to us that we didn’t lose the opportunity to connect with those searching for a doula in Orange County.
One of the biggest things that sets us apart from referral services is that personal connection that makes finding a doula so important. That is why we strive to get to know you, not only because we love hearing about you and what you want out of your birth/postpartum experience, but because it helps us make those matches made in doula heaven. By learning more about you and your care needs we can confidently match you with doulas who’ll you have good chemistry with (‘cause let’s face it, finding a doula is kind of like dating) and who will be able to support you in the ways that you need and want.
With some referral services, you submit an inquiry and they send you a list of doulas in your area and leave you to hash out the details of finding one who is available for your due date and within your price range. This can mean a slew of back and forth emails, text or calls until you find a few you want to interview.
We go much further than that, because our team is not just a list of referrals.
We believe there is SO much more to finding a doula than by assessing what they charge. Do you want someone who has experience supporting VBACs? Are you taking Hypnobabies classes and looking for a doula that is familiar with that approach? Are you introverted and prefer a quiet, calming doula or do you need someone who is more like a coach to cheer you on boisterously? Are you aiming to have a natural birth or will you be planning for an epidural? Do you have any specific expectations for your doula? These are the details we want you to share with us so that we can find you that perfect doula match… while also keeping in mind what you can afford to spend!
As owners, we are in constant communication with our team and being regularly updated on their schedules so you’ll receive matches that are available for your due date. Because doula availability is fluid, on the off-chance anything changes with a doula’s availability before you can interview them, we will let you know and provide an additional match.
Beyond the initial matching emails and having you select the doulas you’d like to interview, we keep the emails to a minimum! Once you’ve selected your preferred doulas, we have them reach out to you. That’s right, no chasing down doulas and waiting for them to call you back! Your doula matches will contact you via your preferred method (phone, email, text) to introduce themselves and schedule an interview. For now, most interviews are done via phone or Zoom due to Covid, but we’re hoping in-person interviews will become the norm again soon!
Another factor that sets us apart is that all of our members are required to have their backup doulas verified through us. They have the option of either using an already vetted member of our team or submitting their backup to our vetting process. This gives us (and you!) extra peace of mind knowing that if a backup doula is needed, they are someone that has been pre-screened. To read more about how our affiliated doulas are vetted, visit the Our Team page on our website. You’ll see that not only do we highly vet our members, but we have demanding criteria that each applicant needs to meet in order to join.
We mentioned earlier that our team isn’t just a list of referrals and that can’t be more true. We see each doula, newborn care specialist, consultant, and educator as a member of our family. It is our mission to not just be the middle-man in this process, but to truly make ideal matches so that you have a positive and enjoyable experience with your doula. It is for that reason that we pour into the lives of our doulas - we celebrate with them during life and work triumphs, encourage them in their careers, mentor them as they navigate doula life, and grieve with them when the road gets rough. As doulas ourselves we know first hand how challenging this profession can be and we pride ourselves on doula-ing our doulas as best we can.
There is nothing we love more than hearing the doula matches we’ve made are successful and flourish in to years long relationships. Many clients turn into friends and remain in our loves for much longer than we expected. And we wouldn’t have it any other way!
When you work with Doulas of OC to find a doula or specialist for your pregnancy or postpartum, know that you too are a part of our family. It is an honor and a delight to help you find the person (or persons) who will be by your side during the incredible road ahead. And if you’re a birthworker looking for a home of like-minded, compassionate professionals we would love to meet you and welcome you into our family!