Wondering what to expect for your doula visits? Here you’ll find information about when these visits are typically scheduled and what topics will likely be discussed/reviewed. Each visit’s timing and agenda is flexible and is intended to be personalized for you to best meet your needs. These visits are in addition to continuous support throughout your labor/birth.
Introductory Prenatal Visits
Visit 1 (within 2 weeks of booking)
Topics likely to be discussed during this meeting:
- Welcome kit drop-off and content review
- What a labor/birth doula and postpartum doula offer
- Trauma history (as applicable)
- Initial mental health check-in
- Prenatal nutrition for optimal health
Visit 2 (within 2 weeks of Visit 1)
Topics likely to be discussed during this meeting:
- Prenatal activities to encourage baby to be in an optimal position before labor begins
- Stages of labor
- Birth team/who will be invited to the birth
- Birth art session and/or natural ultrasound exercise
3rd Trimester Prenatal Visits
Visit 3 (typically between 27-30 weeks)
Topics usually covered during this meeting:
- Informed consent
- Birth plan options/preferences
- Personal coping strategies
- Comfort measures discussion
Visit 4 (typically between 32-34 weeks)
Topics usually covered during this meeting:
- Practice coping strategies (breathing, counter pressure, massage, comforting touch, etc.)
- Birthing positions
- Partner cheat sheet (if applicable)
- How to identify active labor and when to call your doula
Visit 5 (typically between 35-37 weeks)
Topics usually covered during this meeting:
- Postpartum expectations
- Feeding information/demonstration
- Newborn care
Postpartum Visits
Visit 6 (typically within 2 weeks from birth)
Likely agenda for this visit:
- Postpartum recovery check-in and assistance
- Mental health check-in
- Lactation information/support (if applicable)
- Newborn care information/support
- Birth story sharing
Visits 7+ (typically once per week or every other week)
Likely agenda for this visits:
- Postpartum recovery check-in and assistance
- Mental health check-in
- Meal/snack preparation
- Parenting break (as needed)
- Emotional/educational support