Those who have had a doula or planning on having one...

[jkg]

...when do you plan on interviewing and selecting your doula for this birth? I have not had one before, but I am planning a VBAC so I am sure a doula will be very helpful.

[birthangeldoula]

I'm poking in from the March due date club to say HI! I saw this and wanted to put in my two cents.
I plan on having a doula for my birth. I don't know what I would have done without one for my first birth. I believe I contacted her just after my first trimester was over but didn't have my first real appointment until just after 20 weeks. I've had doula clients contact me anywhere from a couple of months into their pregnancy, and have even had a few contact me ON their due dates! It depends on when you feel comfortable starting your search and how many you'd like to interview.
I hope this helps!

[MissyLissa]

If there are any highly sought after doulas in your area it's not a bad idea to start interviewing now! I apprenticed with a doula who was booked 9 months out!! That means pretty much as soon as her clients find out they are pregnant they call her up. But then there are doulas like me who haven't had a call in at least 2 months....sigh. Not that I can take clients now that I'm pregnant (too sick).

[lillyfire]

I had a doula last time and she was absolutely indispensable! I called her around the end of my second trimester. I loved choosing her so early and knowing it was taken care of. She's just a really sweet person, so she started inviting me to go on walks with her and her son, go to the zoo, and just hang out a bit. We hadn't met before I found her doula info. By the time my son was born, I felt like we knew each other well and had a good bond, which was great when she was supporting me. Now we're best friends and see each other all the time. I couldn't have imagined a better turn out!: