Newly Pregnant - when to contact doula?

[Yusani]

I am newly pregnant and want to use a doula for this birth. How far along should I be before I start interviewing doulas?

Thanks!

[limette]

I would do it asap so that they are booked for your birth and not someone else's. If you wait too long you might not be able to get the one you want.

I contacted my doula the minute I got a positive test.

[AustinMom]

I just found out last week, and I am going to start interviewing next week. I think of a Doula more of a pregnancy/birth partner. They can be very helpful during pregnancy for preparation, suggested reading, and random questions you have.

[Yusani]

Thanks. I kinda wanted to call straight away but I didn't want her to think I was nuts! I think there may only be 2 doulas in the area so I want to make sure I find someone fast!

[EricaDoula]

I am a doula, and I apprecaite when clients call me when they discover they are pregnant. I also encourage my clients to talk with other doulas. Depending on your area, doulas may book far ahead and be full. Most doulas only take on a few clients a month! good Luck on your doula search!

[jsh7809]

Congratulations on the pregnancy! I contacted my doulas just in the beginning of the 5th month, and although they did mention that it was kind of early, it also sounded like a lot of women due around my time (April) were contacting them early, too. So I think it tends to go in waves, so earlier is always better, as you just never know.
I also felt a HUGE sense of support and relief in hiring them relatively early, so you might find that the process of hiring a doula feels good. And if it feels good, do it!

[Gray's Mommy]

Ealier is ALWAYS better, so I would do it before your 5th month. Most doulas book up quickly.

[Cricket Girl]

I found mine before I became pregnant. It was important for me to have a great relationship with her and it's been an awesome experience. I feel like she's my sister, but I'm only 4.5 months pregnant.

[earthnut]

I started looking at the beginning of my third trimester. I had no problem finding one, but I'm in a pretty liberal town.