When to organise a doula?

[Madi]

Well, I've only just found out I'm pregnant :cloud9:, and I'm wondering when is the best time to book in with a doula? Is it a case of the sooner the better, or is it best to wait till I've hit 8-12 weeks?

And does anyone have any recommendations for a doula on Brisbane Northside?

thanks,

Madi.

[QTB]

anytime really, but some of us fill spaces really fast others have heaps of space all the way thru :)

[TwoBoysOnly]

I am on Brisbane Northside and looking at studying to be a doula - I am currently a midwife. I would be looking for pregnant women for my 3 births if you are interested - the services would then be free it would just be travel costs :)

[~Emmylou~]

I think alot depends on what you want from your doula as well :)

If you're thinking that you'd like to do a lot of work with her before the birth, then sooner is better.
But if you just want to meet with her once beforehand and have her at the birth you could probably leave it for quite a bit longer - because even doulas who have bookings already around the time you're due might be happy to take you because it's the birth only and there's no antenatal sessions/preparation etc involved kwim?

Congratulations btw! :)

[fai firinne]

Congratulations, Madi!

I would say, the sooner the better. I love it when clients contact me early in their pregnancy. That way, we can talk about nutrition and other well-being things, plus there is loads of time to get to know each other, develop a really good rapport, and also plenty of time for the mother to enjoy my library of books, DVDs and resources to fuel her personal journey of discovery.

I have one client who is not pregnant yet - just TTC! And I have had other clients who have only found me a few weeks before their estimated due date. I would be willing to attend a woman who hired me at the absolute last minute if that's what she wanted - but having a good long time to get to know each other is always nicer.

I know a lovely Doula called Claire Ashtangul up your way, I think she is in Gold Coast. I'd def. have her my birth (if I could persuade her to come to Melbourne, lol!