When Is the Right Time to Start Researching and Interviewing a Doula?

Ashley Strengholt
Sep 14
3 min read

Hiring a doula can be one of the most valuable decisions you make in preparing for birth. Doulas provide informational, physical, and emotional support throughout pregnancy, labor, and the postpartum period. But a common question many families ask is: When should I start looking for a doula?

The short answer: the earlier, the better. Beginning your search early allows you to choose from a wider pool of doulas, build a trusting relationship, and benefit from more prenatal support. Below, I’ll break down what the research and experts say about the best time to begin.

Why Timing Matters

First, let’s consider why it’s worth thinking about timing at all.

Availability – Many experienced doulas fill their calendars quickly. Colorado Mountain Doulas notes that some doulas book out months in advance, which is why families who wait until the third trimester often find fewer options available (Colorado Mountain Doulas, 2023).
Relationship building – Building trust takes time. Boober, a doula and lactation support platform, emphasizes that early hiring allows space for multiple prenatal visits, consistent communication, and a stronger connection- all of which improve satisfaction with the birth experience (Boober, 2022).
Planning and preparation – Doulas don’t just show up for labor. They can help with birth education, pain-coping strategies, emotional support, and even postpartum planning. By starting early, you maximize the value of the relationship (Boober, 2022).

The Ideal Timeline

First Trimester (up to 12 weeks)

Some experts recommend beginning your search as soon as you know you’re pregnant. Colorado Mountain Doulas suggests that around 12 weeks is an ideal time to start reaching out, especially if you’re seeking a doula with particular experience or credentials (Colorado Mountain Doulas, 2023).

Early to Mid-Second Trimester (16–20 weeks)

For many families, the sweet spot is between 16 and 20 weeks. The Good Trade, a lifestyle publication that has extensively covered doula care, explains that this window gives parents enough clarity about their pregnancy preferences while still offering plenty of time to find and connect with the right doula (The Good Trade, 2021).

Third Trimester and Beyond

If you haven’t started until later in pregnancy, don’t worry - it’s still possible. Lamaze International, a long-established childbirth education organization, reassures parents that even in the third trimester, hiring a doula can be beneficial. The trade-off is that you may have fewer prenatal sessions and limited availability, but labor and postpartum support remain just as valuable (Lamaze International, 2020).

Making the Most of the Time

Whenever you begin, it helps to use the time well:

Research and referrals – Read reviews, check certifications, and ask your provider, friends, or local parenting groups for recommendations. The Good Trade encourages parents to think about their values and non-negotiables before scheduling interviews (The Good Trade, 2021).
Interviews and consultations – Most doulas offer free or low-cost initial meetings. Nashville Doula Services highlights that these conversations are essential for ensuring comfort, compatibility, and clear expectations (Nashville Doula Services, 2021).
Contracts and logistics – Once you’ve chosen a doula, secure your spot with a contract or deposit. This step ensures your due date is reserved and allows your doula to plan prenatal visits in advance (Nashville Doula Services, 2021).

What If It Feels “Too Late”?

It’s almost never too late. Lamaze International points out that even parents who hire a doula during the last weeks of pregnancy - or sometimes in early labor - can still benefit from the reassurance and advocacy a doula provides (Lamaze International, 2020). For postpartum support, Michigan Family Doulas encourages families to begin the search during pregnancy, but doulas can often step in after birth if needed (Michigan Family Doulas, 2021).

Conclusion

The best time to begin researching and interviewing doulas is early in pregnancy - ideally around the end of the first trimester or beginning of the second. This approach gives you more choices, more time to build trust, and fuller access to prenatal support. That said, hiring a doula later in pregnancy is still a worthwhile investment.

Ultimately, what matters most is not the exact week you start but that you give yourself the opportunity to find someone who aligns with your needs, values, and hopes for birth. The earlier you begin, the more confident and supported you’ll feel throughout the journey.

For doula care in the Spokane and North Idaho area, fill out the form below to contact me for a free consultation:

References

Boober. (2022). When is the best time to hire a doula? Retrieved from getboober.com
Colorado Mountain Doulas. (2023). When should I hire a doula? Retrieved from coloradomountaindoulas.com
Lamaze International. (2020). When is it too late to hire a doula? Retrieved from lamaze.org
Nashville Doula Services. (2021). 4 ways hiring a doula early in pregnancy can benefit you. Retrieved from nashvilledoulaservices.com
The Good Trade. (2021). Finding a doula: how to start the process. Retrieved from thegoodtrade.com
Michigan Family Doulas. (2021). When to hire a postpartum doula. Retrieved from michiganfamilydoulas.com