When to Call Your Doula
After every prenatal visit with clients, I get the very same question: “So, when should we call you?”.
This is a great question, and I hope to give you some clarity on when to call your doula (or ME if I am your doula).
Be sure to text your doula after all appointments from 36 weeks on.
Once moms get to 36 weeks, they will begin to see their providers once a week until delivery. These appointments are great ones for your spouse to join you on. It helps to have a second set of ears in the room to help you remember conversations and help you advocate for your birth plan if necessary. Doulas love a recap after these important visits so that they can stay in the loop if there are any concerns or changes. Even if your appointment goes great with no hiccups it’s helpful for the doula to know all is well.
Be sure to text your doula if you begin to experience any of the following early labor signs:
Early labor signs can be easily missed if you don’t know what to look for exactly. Knowing these early labor signs help you know that your body is working hard and warming up to labor. We often think of early labor as the hours just before active labor, and that isn’t exactly wrong, but it also isn’t exactly right. The early labor stage can actually be a few days to a few weeks before active labor. In this stage our body is working, sometimes, subtlety to efface, thin, and dilate the cervix. It is helpful to keep your doula looped into these changes so she can get a good idea of where you are and what to suggest to support you in this stage of labor.
Diarrhea/Loose Stool - Hormonal changes before labor can affect the digestive system, leading to loose stools, nausea, or an upset stomach. This is the body’s natural way of preparing for labor and delivery.
Lightening - Lightening happens when the baby moves lower into the pelvis in preparation for birth. Many mamas notice they can breathe more easily because pressure on the lungs decreases, but they may also feel increased pelvic pressure and need to urinate more often. As the baby settles lower into the pelvis, mothers may feel heaviness, pressure, or discomfort in the pelvic area. Walking may become more uncomfortable, and there may be sharp pains or pressure sensations.
Loss of mucus plug - The mucus plug is a thick collection of mucus that seals the cervix during pregnancy. As the cervix begins to soften and open, this plug may come out in one piece or gradually over several days. It can appear clear, pink, yellowish, or slightly bloody.
Bloody show - A “bloody show” refers to pink, red, or brown-tinged mucus discharged from the vagina. It happens as tiny blood vessels in the cervix break while the cervix begins dilating and thinning. This can be a sign labor is approaching within hours or days.
Heightened emotions - Some pregnant mamas suddenly feel a burst of energy and a strong urge to clean, organize, or prepare the home for the baby. This “nesting instinct” is common in the days leading up to labor. Additionally, there may be some real signs of anxiety, worry, grief, or just tears for no reason. Your doula is here to help you navigate big feelings so you can always let her know you need to process some big feelings.
Rhythmic cramping - Many women experience persistent lower back pain or menstrual-like cramps in early labor. This discomfort may come and go with contractions or remain constant as the body prepares for delivery. Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular “practice contractions,” but as labor nears, they may become more noticeable. Unlike true labor contractions, they usually remain inconsistent and may stop with rest, hydration, or changing positions. True labor contractions become steady, stronger, longer, and closer together over time. They usually start in the lower back or abdomen and continue regardless of movement or rest. This is one of the clearest signs that labor has begun.
You should call your doula if your water breaks or contractions begin to get closer and stronger together.
One thing that a lot of parents don’t take into consideration is that your amniotic sac can break before labor starts. I always like to make sure my parents ask their provider what they would like for them to do if their water was to break before labor begins. This helps your doula know what the plan should be and what you are comfortable with. Be sure to let your doula know if you think your water broke. If you’re not sure she can give you some tests to see if it was broken bag or just a little pee (it happens and you don’t need to be embarrassed).
If contractions start during the day be sure to keep your doula in the loop and text to check in every few hours. That helps her plan her day to be sure she is ready to join you when you need her and also allows her to give you tips for helping labor progress. If contractions start at night, it is always advisable to try to GO TO SLEEP. First time moms are especially susceptible to getting nervous and staying up all night. You don’t want to do this. Labor will not sneak up on you and you won’t likely wake up giving birth. If contractions start at night take a bath, drink some water or chamomile tea, and try to sleep for as long as you can. Once you wake up and see that your contractions are around 6 mins apart and lasting around a minute you might be ready for your doula to join you and you can call to wake her up.
Don’t forget about your doula support in postpartum.
Doulas are always happy to help and support you in postpartum. You are more than welcome to reach out in the days after delivery if you have questions about you or baby. Doulas are in the know and have lots of people they can refer you to if something creeps up.
Doulas are also a safe space to share if you feel like postpartum depression or rage may be a factor for you. If you have even the slightest thought that something doesn’t feel right, please reach out to your provider and your doula so you can get all the support you deserve as your body heals.
We are here for you.
Don’t feel like you are overbearing or a bother. Not only did you pay us to support you - we want to help you! You might think maybe you’re in labor but are afraid of bugging us when it could be false. Doulas don’t mind helping you navigate what is and isn’t true labor. We care about you and want to be sure that you aren’t worrying all alone. Let us in and allow us to help take the worry off your shoulders.
All the Love, Your Doula