The Benefits of Choosing a Doula Agency

A doula offering a cup of tea to a new mom, why choose a doula agency?

If you’re on this page, you’re likely considering bringing a doula into your birth or postpartum experience. Kudos to you for prioritizing support and care during this remarkable journey. As someone deeply involved in the Tampa Bay community – a doula here since 2009, and the founder of Buddha Belly Doulas since 2014 – I’ve had the privilege of assisting countless families in their labor, birth, and postpartum periods. I’ve worked both as an independent doula and through our agency team model of care. So, why choose a doula agency? Here are some of the reasons I believe that the hundreds of families we support each year choose to work with our doula agency: 

Doula Agency Standards 

Our doulas go through a meticulous selection process. They have been carefully chosen, interviewed and vetted. We ensure they’re not only experienced, trained and certified by professional doula certifying organizations but also have CPR/First Aid certifications and carry professional liability insurance. We provide regular continuing education opportunities which keeps them updated with the latest best practices. Most importantly they are chosen for their caring and attentive nature and their ability to form strong, positive connections with the clients who choose to work with us. 

Two Doulas for Labor Support

When it comes to labor and birth support, two heads are better than one. With our team model, you’re paired with two dedicated Buddha Belly birth doulas who work together ensuring you receive double the care and support throughout your pregnancy. Your birth doulas have a shared on-call-schedule and both get to know you and your partner during your prenatal support. Babies come when they come! By having 2 doulas sharing a call-schedule, one doula from your team is always ready to go. You are covered no matter what day your baby decides to make their grand entrance. The doulas are each other’s built-in back up.

Postpartum Doula Agency Back-Up

For postpartum doula support, when you don’t work with a team of doulas, you run the risk of not having a reliable back-up if needed. We’ve had new parents find us after an independent postpartum doula they hired backed out or did not work out. Occasionally a postpartum doula may get sick, have a family emergency or is out of town. With our agency, there’s a dedicated team of qualified and compassionate doulas to step in if, for some reason, your primary doula can’t make it. The agency is committed to you and will always take care of your family. Reliability and peace of mind are crucial during this important time of your life. 

Consistency of Care

Consistency is important to us. With our agency standards and training, you can trust that every doula on our team provides the same high-quality care, maintaining a seamless experience. If you ever need a back-up doula, you have the peace of mind in knowing that she is equally as qualified as your regular doula. 

Team Support

Teamwork makes the dream work, especially in the doula world. We are a team and THAT is the difference. Our doulas operate together, leveraging each other’s knowledge and experiences to provide you with comprehensive, educated and evidence-based care. We have monthly team meetings and our doulas take care of each other and raise each other up resulting in better care for you. 

Commitment from the Doula Agency

Our commitment to you doesn’t stop with the doulas. When you work with an agency you have an extra layer of accountability that you can rely on. The agency owner and staff are dedicated to providing exceptional care and are always just a phone call away for any concerns or queries. At Buddha Belly Doulas you have four team members: Christie, Julia, Justine & Amy (who are also professional doulas) working behind the scenes, 100% committed to you. We go above and beyond to give our clients stellar customer service. Doula work happens when it happens and we understand that. The office staff are here for you when you need them too! 

Professionalism Matters

We understand the importance of professionalism and discretion. The agency interactions with you are prompt, respectful, and conducted with professionalism. We believe that it should be a smooth, efficient process to get the support you need.

Established Relationships 

With ten years of service in Tampa Bay, we’ve built numerous strong relationships with hospitals, providers and other professionals. Our deep-rooted connections enable us to offer personalized recommendations based on your needs. We will also give you first hand honest feedback regarding local facilities and resources in the community.  

Nonjudgmental Support

Our agency’s philosophy centers on the fact that we firmly believe in providing unbiased, nonjudgmental support. We’ve been in your shoes navigating the ups and downs of pregnancy, labor and postpartum life. However, your journey is unique and we will meet you right where you are. We are here to ease any anxieties or fears you might have and support your parenting choices 100%. Think of all the hot parenting topics that are out there – we do not bring our own agenda. We are in your corner, empowering you to step into your new parenting role every step of the way.

In conclusion, choosing a doula through our agency at Buddha Belly Doulas ensures that you have a reliable, expert and caring support system throughout your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum period. We’re here to make this transformative time in your life as smooth and positive as possible. Feel free to reach out to us any time.

About Christie Collbran

Christie believes in helping women recognize their own inner wisdom, strength and power. Having served as President of the Tampa Bay Birth Network for six years and with ten years serving families as a birth doula, she has a reputation for leadership, dedication and compassion. A childbirth educator, certified lactation counselor as well as a certified doula, she makes a point of ensuring mothers and their partners understand all their birthing options and what to expect on their journey.> keep reading