when should I "book" a doula?

[alice77]

I'm 16 weeks pregnant and hoping for a VBAC at the Mercy in Jan/Feb 09. I'm seriously thinking of having a doula, especially because this will be a VBAC and I will need extra support.

My question is, when should I start looking for a doula and "booking" them in (is that the way to describe it?!?)?

Thanks
Alice

oh, and this is my first ever bellybelly post!

[Tanstar]

Welcome to BB! You will find lots of advice here Alice! You should find your Belly Buddy thread - lots of women who will be due at the same time you are plus the VBAC chatter thread - lots of articles and books to read etc. A doula is a wondeful choice for a VBAC and definately increases your odds of success.
I would suggest that it is never too early to start interviewing and then booking your doula hun... you may find one you LOVE but who isn't free for the time you need them etc. So I would slowly start researching now, and then interview a few before booking.
Good luck for your VBAC too hun ask lots of questions and trust your body!

[lilias]

Hi Alice,

Welcome to BB!!
I have a doula and didn't ask her to be my doula til about 32wks!! LOL. THough I think that's quite late. I would say just about anytime is ok. It would just mean you will have more time to get to know each other. And the more time you have to search for someone you get along with well. I am lucky in that my doula and I get along well and haven't really needed that much time to get to know each other fairly well. At least this way you can interview a few and find someone suitable early on.
That's just my opinion though and I'm not a doula! There are several doulas on the site, so I'm sure they will be able to tell you what they would prefer for their clients.

[SamiH]

Now, NOW NOW

You need to find one that fits with you, and then build the relationship so you are completely trusting and confident going into the birth.

I started about the the same stage you are and booked my doula once we had made our decision at 18/19 weeks.

good luck with your VBAC and welcome to BB

[Trish]

Alice, welcome to BB. I'm sure you will love it here.

Good on you for seeking out a doula to assist you in your VBAC. I'm sure when you find her a great assest to your birth.

I have gotten a client at about 32 weeks, 30 weeks and I have gotten a client at 5 weeks. I guess it really depends on the doula and how busy she is.

Take the time to get to know your doula, be sure that she is supportive of your birth wishes. Most doulas are very supportive of VBAC's and want to see you get the very best.

Congratulations on your pregnancy and goodluck !

[AJP]

i booked mine at about 5-6 weeks!

[BellyBelly]

Depends if you want to have your first choice or not and if you want time to build up a relationship... some doulas can fit in births last minute, but many are also getting so busy now that they just can't take them on even months before. I am getting really strict now too, it's exhausting work but we love it.

[Antheia]

I had an interview with about 4 doulas and i picked mine at around 10 weeks. It's good to meet with more than one before you choose just to see who you click with more.

[Tobily]

About where you are now is a really good time.

It means you'll still have a choice and you'll have time to build a relationship with her before the big day.