Potential clients often ask us, "When is the best time to reach out to you to see if we want to hire you for our birth?" While the real answer is "anytime," we encourage you to talk to us as soon as you think you might be interested in doula support! The fee for doula support is $1,100 and that fee is the same if you hire us the day you pee on your pregnancy test or if you wait to hire us until you are feeling your first contractions in labor. Here are some reasons to hire us early in your pregnancy...
Our Calendar. We only take a certain number of clients each month. We always want to be dedicated to the clients that we do have and because of that, we can't accept every client who contacts us. It depends on the month, but we are often full several months in advance. Nevertheless, don't hesitate to reach out to us in case we have last minute availability to support you! When I (Jessica) was pregnant with my first baby, I was on the fence about doula support because it's a big financial commitment. Finally, at 36 weeks pregnant, I knew that I wanted a doula. I reached out to some doulas and all of them were booked. I was devastated. I was so mad at myself for not hiring them earlier! Sometimes our calendar doesn't get full and we can take late hires. Other times clients will deliver early and we will have unexpected room in our schedule. It never hurts to contact us! A few times we've had clients hire us the day they realize they are being induced and we join them for their induction. It truly never hurts to see if we have availability last minute!
The Relationship. We value the relationships we build with our clients. We often times tell our clients that they are the ones who control how much contact they have with us. We want to know what is going on with our clients but we won't text you to bother you if everything is well. We always say that boring updates are the best updates in pregnancy because that means that everyone is healthy! We make a group text with our clients soon after they hire us with both doulas who are on call for that client. That way both of us are updated on you and can respond to you quickly. Our contract says that you have unlimited text / phone support in pregnancy and postpartum - and we mean that! So hire us early on and get to know us as we get to know you. The better we know you, the sweeter that relationship it's time for your birth.
A Resource. We are a resource for you through your pregnancy. Morning sickness remedies? Back soreness? Exercise suggestions? Childbirth education help? Need someone to vent to? That's us! We are basically your pregnancy best friends and support you all the way though. And rather than projecting our birth experiences on to you (I'm sure your friends don't mean to do this, but we know that moms like to share their stories which may or may not be terrifying), we are there to listen, help you process, and direct you in a productive and encouraging way. You will want this resource through your pregnancy - not just at the end! Be sure to check out all our favorite resources here.
So, really, when should you reach out to us? You can reach out whenever you are comfortable. Our initial consultation with you is always free. We want to make sure that we are a good fit for your growing family. Sometimes clients reach out and we do a consultation early in pregnancy and then they decide to move forward with us after their first ultrasound or when they hear their baby's heartbeat. The most common time for clients to hire us is between 12-32 weeks. If you'd like to get to know us, reach out to us through our website or find us on Facebook or Instagram.
Written By Jessica Bower, International Board Certified Lactation Consultant & Certified Doula
Comentários