When to contact a doula?

[NJ*Doula]

I'm 13 weeks now, and wondering when I should start looking. Can the doulas here tell me what week I should be before I start searching? I'm planning to look for a student doula (and is that what it's called?) because I know I can save a lot of money that way, which is a big consideration for me, so I'll probably need a little extra time.

[sweeetpea]

Now is good!

I've had people call me the minute they get a BFP, and people call two weeks before EDD. Availability all depends on the time of year, how many doulas are in your area, how many clients they take each month, etc.

Good Luck!

Sweetpea

[Artichokie]

Originally Posted by GathererGirl

I'm 13 weeks now, and wondering when I should start looking. Can the doulas here tell me what week I should be before I start searching? I'm planning to look for a student doula (and is that what it's called?) because I know I can save a lot of money that way, which is a big consideration for me, so I'll probably need a little extra time.

I'm not a birth professional, but I can tell you that we started contacting potential doulas when I was around 3 months along, right after my first m/w appointment. We took a month to find the right one.

[onlyboys]

Now is perfect.

I get most of my clients in the last trimester, when the rubber hits the proverbial birth road.

[DoulaLyndsey]

I would start calling and interviewing now as you want to find someone that meshes well with your personality.

Like a PP, I've had ladies call me when they're 9 weeks, and I just had a client that called me at 38 weeks!

[jerawo]

I would do now. Some doulas only take a few clients a month, so it's better to be early and have more options.