When to call mw and doula after labor begins

[RubyOrganique]

I know this is largely personal, and thus far we've been content to spend private time together. I've been feeling stuff for over a day. I haven't gotten to the infamous 4-1-1 level yet, so I haven't felt it necessary to call my labor support people yet.

When would you call in your support?

Asking for good birthing energy from everyone!! Thanks.

[pazerific]

for us, i call as soon as i'm having timeable regular ctx. we just stick with a phone call check-in type thing until ctx start getting closer together and/or difficult or i feel like i need them. i guess if i was afraid they would show up earlier than i'd like, i would call later though.

lots of ELVs coming your way!!!

[mhaddon]

You're having a HB? I'd give her a call and heads up. Since you're a first timer she may come out earlier to check and then let you be depending on where you are or give you a better idea. Good luck and ELV's!

[broodymama]

Lots of ELVs coming your way! :

Mine said to call as soon as I think I might possibly be starting something up, but that's only because my last labor with DD was 2 hours and she got there right before I started pushing, I was holding a babe 15 minutes later.

Another thing she said is if DH thinks she needs to be called, because he may be better in tune to me acting a bit differently than I would be. We'll see, I could barely get him awake last time.

[Ligeia]

With my first, we called as soon as we knew I was in labor. The midwife came to check on me and confirm it and them left for a few hours to get things together and let us be for awhile. She basically would have shown up whenever we wanted her to. I was more comfortable with her being there through most of the labor even though she didn't do much until the very end, obviously. She monitored the baby and just having her presence there was sort of calming, I guess. I would say check in to let them know they'll be needed soon and then go with your gut. Good luck!