when to seek doula

**bubbles28** · 06-10-2006 19:03

hi girls, I have decided to have a doula at our birth and just wanted to get an idea of when I should contact one to get it organised? Do u wait until the last trimester or seek her early on. Just want to be prepared.

**kadownie** · 06-10-2006 20:51

Hi,

Speaking as a doula- I would say the earlier the better- for a few reasons. You want to be able to interview a few doula's to find out who you feel comfy with.

A doula can help you throughout your whole pregnancy- help to find relevant information for you, help to get together your birth plan, do some relaxation with you to prepare for labour, etc etc

You need to trust your doula- and the longer you have to get to know her, the more that trust will have developed- which will help in labour as well.

Different doulas offer different services- personally I like to have at least 4 prenatal visits as well as phone and email support throughout the pregnancy.

Good luck!!

**bubbles28** · 07-10-2006 09:05

Thank you kadownie

I will get onto it asap. Your right, I might not feel comfy with the first one I ring and may need to meet a few more.
Thanks for the info.

**KellyZ** · 10-10-2006 22:42

I agree to book early - while numbers are growing, there arent a huge number of Doulas out there - and having a doula is growing in popularity. I have births booked up until the end of March with enquiries for April, so women are booking quite early nowadays. Some find out late about Doulas, but early is good if possible