Is it generally the case that doulas cannot take on clients in December?

[MissKubelik]

I am due in early December and have been considering a VBAC, following a traumatic first labour ending in an emergency section. The only way I think I will have confidence to go through with this is if I have an experienced doula with me during all the midwife shift changes to look after and support me and DH.

I have so far contacted three doulas and none of them can take me on in December, due to other commitments. Is this generally the case across the board? Should I carry on looking or just book the elective c-section now?

Feeling very disheartened about all this...

bumping for you

Are they booked, or are they just not taking clients? Some may not want to be on call during the Holidays.

Sorry missed the early December. Keep looking though.

Keep trying! Am sure some doulas will see it as a great opportunity to get some cash for xmas pressies.

Where are you? Maybe someone on here can help/recommend.

they're just not taking on clients, because they have other things going on in the run-up to Christmas. Which is completely understandable of course..... I'm just feeling fed up about it all. We were TTC for over a year before I got pregnant, if I could have planned this baby's due date it would not have been in December!

am in SE London, will probably be having baby at PRUH in Farnborough.

Presume you're using the Doula UK website?

Bump for you

Take a look at find a doula.

Things do get booked up and some doulas won't take on clients incase they give birth xmas day - when they want to spend time with their families.

i had a lady due xmas day last yr - she gave birth 9 days early!

I also have been working with a doula (am due to give birth in the next 2-3 weeks) & I had a lot of trouble finding one- plus, it's also very important you find someone you like- because I was due early august. Which is also a very hard time, as I presume December is. Keep looking! I sent many many emails before finding the doula I'm working in, so it's definitely the case that you have to be persistent.

I have just had an email confirming that the lady I asked to be my doula can do it - and she can (due date is 22nd December). TBH though if I gave birth on Christmas day I wouldn't expect her to leave her husband and children.

Anyway, what I am saying is don't give up hope.