How Providers Can Confidently Connect Patients With a Doula
Healthcare providers know the evidence: doulas improve birth outcomes, lower intervention rates, and increase satisfaction with the birth experience. But with no standardized licensing or certification required, it can be tricky to know how to confidently recommend a doula. Here’s a framework you can use to help guide your patients to the right match:
1. Look Beyond “Certified”
Certification can mean many different things, depending on the organization. Until that changes, instead of relying only on a credential, ask whether the doula is actively trained, experienced, maintaining certification, earning CEUs, and engaging in continuing education. And be clear on where and what and when those occurred. These markers show ongoing commitment to professional growth.
2. Ask About Experience With Different Scenarios
Encourage patients to ask doulas if they’ve supported births that matter most to them:
VBACs
Waterbirths and hydrotherapy
Hypnobirth or other specialized techniques
High-intervention or high risk hospital-based births
Physiological, unmedicated births
The right doula will have training and experience that align with your patient’s preferences and medical context. Never hesitate to ask for referrals!
3. Clarify Backup Support
Providers can help set realistic expectations by encouraging patients to ask:
Who is your backup?
Does your backup have comparable experience?
How do you prepare your backup with my birth plan?
These questions ensure continuity of care if the primary doula can’t attend.
4. Assess Professionalism
A strong doula partner:
Holds current doula training, certification, and expereinced
Has been background checked and holds CPR certification.
Works within a clear scope of practice (doesn’t offer medical advice).
Communicates openly and respectfully with clinical teams.
5. Encourage Fit and Philosophy
The “right” doula is less about a resume and more about alignment—does the doula’s personality, style of support, and communication feel like a match for the family? Providers can remind patients that rapport matters as much as credentials.
By guiding patients to look for ongoing education, relevant experience, transparent backup systems, and professional collaboration, you can confidently connect families with doulas who will truly enhance—not complicate—their care.
This is exactly why the Cincinnati Doula Network exists—to make it easier for providers and families to connect with trusted, experienced doulas. Our network ensures that every doula listed is accurately trained or certified, engaged in continuing education, and transparent about their SOP. By using the directory, you can confidently refer patients knowing they will be matched with professionals who meet the highest standards of care and collaboration.
