When to find a doula?

[FingonTheValiant]

Hi,

I'm thinking of having a doula for the birth of DC1 in October, but how far in advance do I need to try to make contact with one? I'm not sure how it is in terms of supply and demand and early bookings.

Also, is there likely to be a problem at the hospital with having a doula as well as my husbad? I tried to ask the midwife, but she just waved me off in a "there's time for all these questions later" manner.

Thanks very much in advance!

Get on with it asap! Many doulas get booked up quickly so you might not find your first choice available - they will usually be on call for a woman for 3 weeks so will only have one client at a time.

Hospitals generally will allow 2 people to be with you. The hospital I went to were fine with the doula but did use it as an excuse for the MW to not be present most of the time.

Oh yikes, I better start trying to sort it tomorrow. Thanks for the warning!