When Should You Hire a Doula? (Hint: The Earlier, The Better!)

If you’re wondering when the best time is to hire a doula, the short answer is: as early as possible! While some families wait until the third trimester to start their search, I rarely take clients that late in pregnancy—and there’s a good reason for that.

The relationship between a doula and a birthing person isn’t just about having someone show up on the big day. It’s about preparation, education, and creating the kind of balance in the body that sets you up for an easier pregnancy, labor, and birth. Here’s why finding your doula early makes all the difference:

1. We Have Time to Build a Relationship

Birth is an intimate, vulnerable experience. You should feel completely comfortable with the person supporting you. By hiring a doula early, we have time to develop trust and ensure we’re a great fit. We can talk through your birth preferences, discuss your concerns, and build confidence together over the course of your pregnancy.

2. We Can Work on Body Balance for an Optimal Birth

A baby’s position and your body’s alignment play a huge role in how smoothly labor unfolds. When we start working together early, we can address any restrictions or dysfunctions in the body that might make labor longer or more difficult. Through bodywork, movement, and prenatal education, we can promote better positioning, reduce discomfort, and set the stage for an easier birth.

3. We Can Troubleshoot and Reset as Needed

Pregnancy isn’t always straightforward. Sometimes discomfort, baby’s position, or other physiological factors need attention long before labor begins. With time on our side, we can make adjustments, explore different techniques, and ensure you’re feeling your best throughout pregnancy—not just scrambling to prepare at the last minute.

4. You Get the Full Benefit of Prenatal Education and Support

When you hire a doula late in pregnancy, you miss out on a wealth of knowledge and resources that can help you feel more prepared and empowered. My approach to birth support includes a deep focus on physiological balance, comfort techniques, and education—things that are best integrated over time rather than crammed into a few weeks before birth.

When Should You Reach Out?

The best time to hire a doula is as early in pregnancy as possible—ideally in the first or early second trimester. This allows for a comprehensive, well-paced approach to preparation rather than last-minute scrambling.

If you’re expecting and want a doula who can guide you through pregnancy, help you create balance in your body, and support you in feeling strong and confident for birth, let’s talk! Reach out early so we can start this journey together.