Another doula question

[delaneymom]

When did you/or when do people generally start looking for a doula? I've been researching to find a midwife and hadn't given it much thought, but wondered if I need to get started...

[doulanichole]

Since I'm here, I'll take a stab at it and say it depends. Some doulas book up really quickly esp if there are only a few in the area. Some doulas won't take anyone until after their first trimester. Personally, I have taken several clients at 6 weeks and just made sure I could refund their deposit if needed. The longer you have your doula, the longer you have to build a relationship and use her as a resource (get her to answer questions abotu prenatal care/testing, etc.). I always say the sooner the better, but that's just me!