How far apart do you schedule your clients?

Jackie7183 · 03-31-2006, 12:44 PM

I have one client EDD Sept 25 and one Oct 7. Is this too risky? The Oct 7th is my best friend, so I will definitely be introducing Sept 25 to my backup.

Is this ok?? Please help this is the first situation I have run into like this.

Thanks ladies!

fearlessbirth · 03-31-2006, 12:48 PM

In my humble opinion, I think you'll be A-Ok but would definitely introduce the 9/25 client to your back-up 'just in case'. Not a bad idea at all.

DL · 03-31-2006, 02:05 PM

I think that Cathy is probably right, that you'll probably be OK, but one never knows for sure until that time rolls around. I had a mom go into labor the day before my on-call was supposed to start once (15 days before EDD). I do think that it's good that you do have a backup. I don't think that I'd do it without having a backup.

raspberrymoondoula · 03-31-2006, 04:40 PM

i would say at bare minimum two weeks apart, i even prefer a month apart but if you have a back up i say go for it. i only schedule them that way cuz i like to put a ton of energy into my mommas the last month or so (not saying you dont). it wears me out.

tlcdoula · 03-31-2006, 05:01 PM

In all honesty there is never a guarantee because even if you schedule them one month apart you could still have one mama go two weeks early and one go two weeks late - landing on the same day.

If you have a back up then I would take them both. The only thing that you do need to figure out is what happens if you are with the client and your friend calls to say she is in labor? Would you then send the back up? Leave the client you are with?

Tashina Marker · 03-31-2006, 11:31 PM

I would have to have a back up.

DL · 03-31-2006, 11:56 PM

I just realized that I really didn't answer the question in my last post!

I don't usually book another client within my present client's on-call time. So...that works out to be about a month. Now, if my client had her baby before her full on-call period was up, then I'd take a last-minute client if one should come up (it's happened). If I knew beyond a shadow-of-a-doubt that my backup was ready to do one of the births for me, then I may take another client closer, depending on the situation, like yours---if a good friend wanted me supporting her (but I don't usually like to do that for just anyone if I can help it).

everydaymiracles · 04-01-2006, 05:41 PM

I definitely agree about making sure you have back up for births that may end up happening so close. To take that furthur - would you use the same backup for each birth? I have backup, not only to cover two clients birthing at the same time, but in case I am unwell or my children are sick - usually they just want mummy when they aren't feeling 100%. What do you think?