We get the question a lot, “when is the best time to hire a doula?”. We have had clients get a positive pregnancy test, and then call us with excitement to book our services, and we’ve had clients sign a contract as little as two days before the baby was born. Either way, our clients will get the same amazing, supportive, professional care from their doula for their labor and during the postpartum period. However, for the doulas at Chesapeake Birth and Baby, our answer is always the same- anytime is a good time to hire a labor or postpartum doula, but you’ll get the most benefit out of hiring a doula sooner rather than later.
Families who chose to hire a labor doula early have the added benefit of reaching out to the doula whenever they have questions, or just need a listening ear. Whether it be chats after a OB appointment to discuss the complications that arise, a call to the doula to gripe about that coworker who won’t stop commenting on the size of the growing belly, or needing help deciding what your birth plan should really be, your doula will be there as your personal encyclopedia for your pregnancy. Hiring a labor doula early on in the pregnancy also gives you the time to develop the rapport with the doula. While a doula can do a fantastic job at the labor even if she’s never met the family, as part of one of the most intimate moments of your life, you’re probably going to want to know her well. Through phone calls and multiple meetings, and her 24/7 availability to respond to your needs, the doula will attune to your needs, and be able to really customize her support for you during labor.
For families interested in hiring a postpartum doula, it is always recommended to book early as doula agencies often meet their limit for postpartum contracts each month. By signing the contract early, you will be guaranteed to have the agency available to you, and you will also have more time to get to know the doula who will be spending many hours in your home with your family.
However, for those of you who don’t hire a doula early on, fear not, your doula will still be an excellent resource and support person for you. A professional doula has a wealth of knowledge to rely on, and will attune to your needs very quickly. She will get to know you in the time allowed, and attend to you with the professional skill that she provides to all of her clients.
From a former last minute client: “My husband and I were getting anxious about our impending labor, and we weren’t sure if it was too late to hire a doula. We called Megan and she was available, and we decided to hire her just days before our baby was due. It was the best decision we could have made! Turns out, we weren’t nearly as prepared as we thought we were from reading books and taking the hospital class. Megan answered questions we didn’t even know we had, and she helped guide us through the complex situation that arose during the birth of our little boy. Even though we hired her really late in the pregnancy, it wasn’t like having a stranger in our delivery room, Megan was so warm and comforting, it was a like she was an old friend.”
Are you considering hiring a doula? We’d love to chat with you, or even meet for a complimentary, no pressure interview! Even if you’re not 100% sure, please give us a call and we’ll be more than happy to discuss your needs and see if we’re the right fit for your family.