As a doula I'm down with this question, it's one of the most common that I get from a new client. When do we call you?
There are many reasons you might want to pick up the phone and call your doula. I mean you did hire them to be there for allll the questions and support. Some doulas have a different opinion than mine so it should be something that you discuss with them. I always tell my clients if you would ask your friend, I want you to reach out. The reason that I'm here as your doula is to be your support person. Send me the weird picture, ask me the question and don't be embarrassed by it. I'm here to educate you and help you through pregnancy, labor and postpartum period which can be the most confusing and sometimes weird, gross and scary part of your life.
You should call your doula after doctors' visits to check in, this is the best time to reach out. Doulas love to share in the excitement of a pregnancy update and to get your feelings about what is going on with your pregnancy now. It's also good to connect more, the more you connect the better your relationship and that's a relationship you want to blossom.
The most important time to call your doula is when you think you are in labor. When the contractions start you should make sure to call your doula and speak with them. Actually, hearing your voice is such an important part of your doula attuning to you and is necessary to help figure out what you need in that moment. It could be that you need your doula to help decide if it's time to head to the hospital or you need your doula to come to you. This is what you paid for! Hearing your voice, even if you aren't able to speak to them might help your doula decide what you need in that moment.
My role as a doula is to support you emotionally, physically and with education. Sometimes that looks like rubbing your back and other times it looks like easing your fears and anxieties.... CALL THE DOULA! You will never be upset that you did.
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