I often get asked when the best time is to start looking for doula support and birth preparation. The short answer is: there’s really no “right” time to start working with a doula. Everyone is different, and the best time to start will depend on your unique needs and preferences.
Is it okay to start looking for a doula as soon as I find out I’m pregnant?
If you’re feeling the desire for doula support and birth preparation at 5 weeks pregnant, then I encourage you to follow your intuition and start looking for a doula. Having a doula by your side from the very beginning can provide you with the emotional support, guidance, and information you need to make informed decisions and feel more confident and empowered throughout your pregnancy. Depending on how the doula works, you might benefit from emotional support, informational support and birth preparation or physical assistance, such as prenatal bodywork. It can be incredibly valuable to work with your doula over the lengths of your whole pregnancy, and starting early can give you plenty of time to explore your options, ask questions, and build a deeper relationship with your doula. Because of the benefits of continuous support I offer a special “Mefanek” doula package that includes support from the first trimester deep into the postpartum period.
I am already pretty pregnant…
It’s never too late to start working with a doula and preparing for childbirth, and sometimes doulas have spots available at the last minute. I’ve provided birth preparation for people in week 39, and I’ve even taken on a doula client who was 37 weeks pregnant!
Doesn’t it make sense to wait a bit?
Many women start looking for a doula around the 20-week mark, as they settle into their pregnancy and begin to anticipate its end. With my basic+ doula package, I generally initiate meetings around week 28, and clients gain access to my online birth preparation course already earlier.
I called a doula and she’s already fully booked…
It’s important to note that doulas, especially those with special requests like English-speaking doulas, can fill up or be booked quite quickly. So, if you know that you want a (certain) doula, it’s a good idea to start looking and booking as soon as possible to ensure that you get the support you need. You can always have the first meeting later in pregnancy, once you feel ready to start the journey.
Ultimately, the best time to start working with a doula and birth preparation is whenever you feel ready and comfortable! Whether that’s in the first trimester or later on in pregnancy, the benefits of doula support and birth preparation can be immense. So trust your intuition, do what feels right for you, and don’t hesitate to reach out to a doula for support whenever you’re ready.
I look forward to hearing from you once you feel it’s the right time!
