I really should add this on my website under frequently asked questions... the simple answer is- It's never too early or too late to hire a doula!
For some first time parents the questions, fears, excitement, and planning begins as soon as the pregnancy is known. I have been contacted and hired by couples as early as 7 weeks!! I think it's wonderful and sweet to meet with excited and eager couples and really, it's an honor to be part of their experience starting so soon in. I can be available by phone or usually e-mails if there are any questions that come up: What can I do for nausea? When will I start showing? What are these strange things happening to my body?
Any question that isn't a medical concern or might be embarrassing to ask a doctor- as a doula we hear it all!
Some women want to find out about how they should be preparing for the rest of their pregnancy to be as healthy and as comfortable as possible. Some want to know about what type of exercise they should be doing, or what they should be eating. It can be reassuring to know that there is someone there for the little questions, someone to recommend books or websites to help with information needed, and someone to share in the excitement as the weeks pass by.
I generally start meeting with women or couples in the second trimester. At this point the pregnancy is established, the caregiver and place of birth is generally chosen, and women tend to be thinking more about the impending birth. There's been time to process the options and usually many questions have been lingering around waiting to be asked and answered. This is also when tests, measurements, weight gain, ultrasounds and the like will begin and then the questions really start rolling in. It's nice to have some time to read some books if you're looking for some new information, to space the prenatal meetings a few weeks apart to allow for reflection and updates, and it allows us to get to know each other better.
But- remember what I mentioned before- it isn't too late if you haven't hired your doula by this time. You still have a chance to benefit from all of this, even if you're due next week! I swear.
Perhaps you didn't hear about doulas until late in pregnancy or maybe you had but thought it wasn't your thing. Maybe someone mentioned having one or knowing of one in passing, and it spiked your interest. Sometimes just one confusing or upsetting appointment with a caregiver can lead to a woman or couple feeling like they may just need that extra support. Whatever the reason, if you're a bit late to the draw, it's ok.
As a doula I have a very flexible schedule, so last minute meetings can be arranged. There's still time to spend hours getting to know your doula- talking over a cup of tea or coffee, discussing your hopes and fears for birth, explaining what type of support you're looking for, and getting those last minute important pieces of information that could potentially make all the difference during your labor and birth. It's worth it!
I will of course recommend that if you find a doula that you feel you'd like to meet with or felt like you had that great connection with, it's usually best to grab her when you can! Most doulas, myself included, will only take a certain amount of clients per month to ensure that we don't have conflicts (which can still happen- birth is SO unpredictable!) and to make sure we have time to give everyone the attention and support they deserve.
I am currently booked through the end of January.
I always offer a complimentary meeting. This is a one-on-one meeting where you can get all your questions answered about doula care, find out if our personalities match and make sure you feel comfortable with the doula you choose. Someone who makes you feel at ease, encouraged, and confident is usually the right one!
Feel free to contact me if you'd like more information or to book a free meeting.
Megan
For some first time parents the questions, fears, excitement, and planning begins as soon as the pregnancy is known. I have been contacted and hired by couples as early as 7 weeks!! I think it's wonderful and sweet to meet with excited and eager couples and really, it's an honor to be part of their experience starting so soon in. I can be available by phone or usually e-mails if there are any questions that come up: What can I do for nausea? When will I start showing? What are these strange things happening to my body?
Any question that isn't a medical concern or might be embarrassing to ask a doctor- as a doula we hear it all!
Some women want to find out about how they should be preparing for the rest of their pregnancy to be as healthy and as comfortable as possible. Some want to know about what type of exercise they should be doing, or what they should be eating. It can be reassuring to know that there is someone there for the little questions, someone to recommend books or websites to help with information needed, and someone to share in the excitement as the weeks pass by.
I generally start meeting with women or couples in the second trimester. At this point the pregnancy is established, the caregiver and place of birth is generally chosen, and women tend to be thinking more about the impending birth. There's been time to process the options and usually many questions have been lingering around waiting to be asked and answered. This is also when tests, measurements, weight gain, ultrasounds and the like will begin and then the questions really start rolling in. It's nice to have some time to read some books if you're looking for some new information, to space the prenatal meetings a few weeks apart to allow for reflection and updates, and it allows us to get to know each other better.
But- remember what I mentioned before- it isn't too late if you haven't hired your doula by this time. You still have a chance to benefit from all of this, even if you're due next week! I swear.
Perhaps you didn't hear about doulas until late in pregnancy or maybe you had but thought it wasn't your thing. Maybe someone mentioned having one or knowing of one in passing, and it spiked your interest. Sometimes just one confusing or upsetting appointment with a caregiver can lead to a woman or couple feeling like they may just need that extra support. Whatever the reason, if you're a bit late to the draw, it's ok.
As a doula I have a very flexible schedule, so last minute meetings can be arranged. There's still time to spend hours getting to know your doula- talking over a cup of tea or coffee, discussing your hopes and fears for birth, explaining what type of support you're looking for, and getting those last minute important pieces of information that could potentially make all the difference during your labor and birth. It's worth it!
I will of course recommend that if you find a doula that you feel you'd like to meet with or felt like you had that great connection with, it's usually best to grab her when you can! Most doulas, myself included, will only take a certain amount of clients per month to ensure that we don't have conflicts (which can still happen- birth is SO unpredictable!) and to make sure we have time to give everyone the attention and support they deserve.
I am currently booked through the end of January.
I always offer a complimentary meeting. This is a one-on-one meeting where you can get all your questions answered about doula care, find out if our personalities match and make sure you feel comfortable with the doula you choose. Someone who makes you feel at ease, encouraged, and confident is usually the right one!
Feel free to contact me if you'd like more information or to book a free meeting.
Megan
RSS Feed