So, you’ve hired a doula to support you on your childbirth journey—but when should you actually call them for help?
📌 Should you call if it’s the middle of the night?
📌 What if your doula is busy with their own family?
📌 Is it okay to reach out super early in the morning?
🚨 YES! JUST CALL! 🚨
Doulas are on-call for YOU—that’s part of their role! You are not disturbing them. You are doing exactly what they expect and need you to do.
To make it easier, here’s a list of key moments when you should reach out to your doula.
1️⃣ When You Have Questions
One of the greatest benefits of having a doula is having direct access to evidence-based support whenever you need it.
✔ Questions about pregnancy symptoms, labor, birth plans, or postpartum? Call, text, or email!
✔ Not sure about something your provider said? Your doula can help clarify or suggest additional questions to ask.
✔ Feeling overwhelmed? Your doula is there to reassure and empower you.
💡 Avoid “Dr. Google”! Many online sources provide misinformation, but your doula offers trusted, accurate guidance based on science and experience.
📌 Reference: Evidence-Based Birth – The Role of Doulas in Pregnancy & Labor, 2023
2️⃣ After a Prenatal Visit with Your Care Provider
It’s important to keep your doula updated about any changes in your pregnancy.
✔ Did your doctor/midwife mention a new test, condition, or birth plan adjustment? Let your doula know!
✔ If your provider recommends hospital admission or identifies a concern, call your doula right away.
✔ Updates can be sent via text, email, or a quick call—whatever works best for you!
💡 Why is this important? Your doula can help you process medical recommendations, offer comfort measures, and ensure your birth plan is followed.
📌 Reference: American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) – Patient-Provider Communication in Maternity Care, 2023
3️⃣ When You Have Consistent Contractions for One Hour
🤰 Consistent contractions may mean labor is beginning! Call your doula so they can help you evaluate what stage of labor you are in.
✔ Early Labor: If you can still talk through contractions, you’re likely in early labor. Your doula may suggest rest, hydration, and comfort techniques.
✔ Active Labor: If contractions are regular, stronger, and harder to talk through, you may be in active labor—it’s time for hands-on support.
💡 Pro tip: Your doula can listen to you through a few contractions over the phone to help assess where you are in labor.
📌 Reference: National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Understanding Labor Progression, 2022
4️⃣ When Your Water Breaks
🚨 Call your care provider FIRST, then call your doula! 🚨
💡 Why? Your provider will want to assess your water breaking using the COAT method:
✔ C – Color (Clear? Green? Blood-tinged?)
✔ O – Odor (Does it have an unusual or strong smell?)
✔ A – Amount (Is it a trickle or a gush?)
✔ T – Time (When did it happen?)
Your doula will help guide you through the next steps based on how your labor is progressing.
📌 Reference: World Health Organization (WHO) – Guidelines on Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes, 2022
5️⃣ If You Experience Other Early Labor Signs
Labor isn’t just about contractions and water breaking—sometimes, other signs indicate that things are starting.
📌 Call your provider FIRST, then call your doula if you notice:
✔ Loose stools or nausea – The body sometimes “clears out” before labor begins.
✔ Bloody show – A mucus plug with blood streaks can be a sign of cervical changes.
✔ Intuition that something feels off – Trust your instincts! If something doesn’t feel right, reach out.
Your doula can help determine if it’s time to rest, stay home, or head to your birth location.
📌 Reference: Mayo Clinic – Signs of Labor, 2023
Final Thoughts: Don’t Hesitate—Your Doula is Here for You!
🎯 Doulas are trained professionals who expect your call.
🎯 You are not bothering them—it’s their job to support you!
🎯 When in doubt, CALL. It’s better to reach out too early than too late.
💬 If you’ve had a doula, when did you call them for support? Share your experience in the comments!
📌 For more information about how doulas support labor, visit:
✔ DONA International
✔ Evidence-Based Birth
References
- American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG). (2023). Patient-Provider Communication in Maternity Care. Retrieved from www.acog.org
- World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Guidelines on Spontaneous Rupture of Membranes. Retrieved from www.who.int
- National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2022). Understanding Labor Progression. Retrieved from www.nih.gov
- Mayo Clinic. (2023). Signs of Labor & When to Go to the Hospital. Retrieved from www.mayoclinic.org
- Evidence-Based Birth. (2023). The Role of Doulas in Pregnancy & Labor. Retrieved from www.evidencebasedbirth.com
