Three Reasons to Hire Your Doula Early

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You just found out that you're expecting... Congratulations!

Now what?

As you begin to prepare for pregnancy and parenthood, there will be a long to-do list of things to organize and take care of before your baby is born. And you may be wondering where to start, especially if you are a first time parent.

One of the first tasks you may want to complete is building your birth team. Choosing the right prenatal care provider will have a direct effect on your pregnancy and birth. But even before you choose your provider, you may want to hire a doula first. Hiring a doula will give you the continuity of care you will want and need during pregnancy, birth and beyond. But they can also guide you in various ways such as helping you choose your provider and where to give birth, learning about childbirth and the stages or labor as well as how to prepare for postpartum and caring for your newborn.

Many families meet with several doulas before making a final decision. When choosing a doula you will want to be sure that they fully support your birth plan and family needs, fit your budget and align with your personal and family values. While it is important to take your time with your choice and be sure before committing to the investment of doula support, timing can also make a difference.

Three Reasons to Hire Your Doula Early

1. Availability- Many experienced and established doulas are highly sought after and that usually means that they book clients quickly. When searching for your doula, you will want to ask about their availability for your due date as well as how many clients they take per month. Starting your search early will ensure that you have ample time to meet with doulas, narrow down your choices and hire someone who can support you throughout your pregnancy and well before labor begins.
2. Continuity of Care-Continuity of care is important because it not only gives new parents peace of mind and reassurance, it can be especially beneficial for first-time parents. Knowing that you have a handpicked professional to be there for you can make the adjustment period easier. Families know what to expect ahead of time and are better prepared for new things that may arise. With plans and support people in place, families tend to thrive so much better. 
3. ​Value- Hiring your doula early ensures that you spend ample time with them and makes your investment well worth it. Imagine the difference in care and support if you hire your doula at 20 weeks instead of 30 weeks. You will receive much more education, reassurance and support in those additional weeks and that means getting the most for your money too.

Hiring a doula can have immeasurable benefits for you and your family. It is well known that doula support improves birth outcomes for both mothers and babies during labor and postpartum. One of my priorities as a doula is to ensure that my clients are heard and cared for thoroughly. Throughout pregnancy there are so many things to remember, plan and schedule. More often than not, this can be overwhelming and leave many feeling lost on where to begin. My job is to help families face the unknown head on and develop a plan. I am committed to educating and informing my clients on all of their options while building their confidence and diminishing their fears about childbirth and parenting. I am the support person they will likely see and talk to the most throughout pregnancy. And even after birth, I still provide the same level of care by checking in regularly, answering questions, providing referrals and resources and as always, a listening ear.

If you're thinking about hiring a doula, start today. It can make a big difference in your pregnancy, birth and fourth trimester. You can find more information on the right doula for you here.