When Should I Find A Doula?
What is the right time to find a doula? When is the right time to take a childbirth education class? What are the right steps and ways to prepare for birth? Let’s explore your options and talk timing- or if you’re ready and looking to connect with a doula head over here and let us help you out.
Am I too early to hire a doula?
First off- there is no wrong time to hire a doula. If we had it our way, everyone would find a doula as soon as they were ready to dig into pregnancy - for some of us that is as early as the first trimester, for some of us tradition or comfort level means that we wait until closer to the second to start planning or acknowledge our pregnancy outside of the family. One thing is true - having a doula on your team will allow you to start the process of preparing consciously for labor and postpartum and ALSO to experience a more comfortable and supported pregnancy- which everyone deserves.
How does a doula help in pregnancy? Let’s count the ways.
Someone to direct questions and concerns to. Avoiding the google or the nervous late night phone call to the OB when what you really need is someone to listen and hold space. Skip the opinions of your friends and coworkers, and start getting to know your own needs and preferences as you go.
Dedicated space and time to prepare. You can meet with your doula prenatally (often the standard is 2-3 prenatals but you also can add on!) which means that you are creating ritual and intentional space to prepare and consider the experience you are having. Why is this important? How many of us don’t really stop to consider the changes/needs/demands of a pregnancy until either something HURTS or we are days away from labor? This is not the way!
Speaking of hurts. Pregnancy can come with aches and pains and discomforts along the way. A doula can help to connect you with the resources you need- from acupuncture and chiropractic care to comfortable sleeping positions and more.
Resources and more resources: Doulas are amazing for connecting you to all the things- community, other expecting parents, providers that align with your goals, baby registry tips and more.
Am I too late to hire a doula?
So to recap-
There’s no wrong time to hire a doula. If you’re lucky enough to connect with one early in your pregnancy you have all the support and care for longer. HOWEVER, if you’re later on in your pregnancy and are considering a doula, there is NO such thing as too late! Why? If you’re considering a doula at this point, it’s likely that you’re wondering about the birth experience or even feeling a little nervous or unprepared. What better way to bridge this gap to preparation than with a dedicated support person like a doula? Whether you are looking to switch providers, hoping to have an unmedicated labor, haven’t had time for childbirth ed yet or needing someone to help you prepare the nursery- a doula is ALL of these things and more, even and especially during your third trimester.
