Would you take 2 clients with similar edd's

BlessedBottomz · 06-10-2007, 04:15 PM

My newest client isn't due until Oct. 28. I had another lady contact me about doula services. We were supposed to meet for an interview this past week, but she had to reschedule. Here's the dilema. Her due date is Oct. 30. This other lady gave me signed paper work with a deposit so I had no reason not to book her. Besides, I haven't heard back from the other one that is due Oct. 30 yet to see when she would like to reschedule. Was I wrong? Should I try and book this other client too? Probably not since they are due 2 days apart right?

AussieDoula · 06-10-2007, 04:49 PM

Less than 5% of women actually deliver on their estimated due date. With those kinds of odds, I feel much safer taking clients with the same date (or within a few days of each other) than clients who have 2 weeks between their edd's.

However, if you are concerned, you might want to approach other Doulas in your area to work out some kind of back-up arrangements.

Good luck!

AltHealthMomma · 06-10-2007, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieDoula

Less than 5% of women actually deliver on their estimated due date. With those kinds of odds, I feel much safer taking clients with the same date (or within a few days of each other) than clients who have 2 weeks between their edd's.

Good point. I look foward to this discussion as I'm new yet and I suspect this may be coming up for me sooner rather than later.

teachinmamaof4 · 06-10-2007, 05:57 PM

Yes, I would.

RosyDoula · 06-10-2007, 06:23 PM

I would too.

Acacia · 06-10-2007, 06:40 PM

I would take them both as long as I had back-up

tlcdoula · 06-10-2007, 06:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AussieDoula

Less than 5% of women actually deliver on their estimated due date. With those kinds of odds, I feel much safer taking clients with the same date (or within a few days of each other) than clients who have 2 weeks between their edd's.

However, if you are concerned, you might want to approach other Doulas in your area to work out some kind of back-up arrangements.

Good luck!

Right now I have a client due on July 19th and one due on July 20th. Am I worried - a little because I always worry

In the past I have had clients a month apart who delivered within days (one went two weeks early and one two weeks late and they just about collided). I think unless you take mom's with due dates six week or more apart then you might be safer, but even taking them four weeks apart they can collide. Find a good back up and go from there.

UtahDoula · 06-10-2007, 07:07 PM

I don't, but not because I am worried they'll be in labor at the same time. I just don't like to do births that close together. I limit my practice to 1 a month or so. I also teach classes at 2 different places + independant classes, so I limit to have some balance. When I interview with people, I tell them I don't take clients with due dates close together and that I work on a first-come, first-serve basis. Sometimes that means people have to choose another doula if they waffle too long and I am not available any more.

naturalcuriosity · 06-10-2007, 07:22 PM

I would definitely take them both. Like some of the other posters noted, it is very unlikely that they will both deliver at the same time. It is always nice to have backup, though, just in case.

BestBirth4You · 06-10-2007, 07:25 PM

I would take them both as well as long as I had back up (BTW I am in Tucson as well and always willing to be back up!)

MothertheMother · 06-10-2007, 07:42 PM

I agree that taking them both would be fine. I've heard a few doulas mention that when they have clients close together like that they keep the clients informed on one another (ie let them know if the doula thinks she might be away for a birth soon) and it usually ends up working out just fine. I believe there is a mind/body connection at work there and knowing her doula isn't available might keep her from going into labor until she knows it is "safe"

BlessedBottomz · 06-10-2007, 07:55 PM

Here is my deal with the latter client. I promised to do hers for free. The one that is solid has paid. What if I take them both, my freebie goes into labor before my paid client? I cannot possibly leave my paid client hanging and I can't really have a backup for my freebie because I don't know any other doulas in my area doing births for free. I am very new to this (can't you tell?) but I am shocked at how nearly all of you said to book them both. You all know what you are doing and I trust your judgement. Thanks so much for the help.

BestBirth4You · 06-10-2007, 09:19 PM

as I said before I am in Tucson as well and I am willing to back up on freebies! I've done 4 births so far, and though I do feel it is important to pay the bills I am willing to take people for free just to gain the experience of one more birth. As Christy said I also feel mother's know when it is "safe". I just had two births in two days (one yesterday, one today) and it just seems to work itself out.

Ceci · 06-10-2007, 09:47 PM

I have to agree with what most people have said, if they have the same due date it is more likely they will deliver on different dates, although you may have a busy week. I would also consider if they were both first time moms. When I have had conflicts is when clients ahd due dates 2-3 weeks apart and one went "late" and the other "early". Also, just to repeat again, good back-up is key.

AmandaB · 06-10-2007, 09:54 PM

I would and have done it. The best thing to avoid collision is communication. I will always call clients and let them know I am on my way to a birth, they usually wait. The one thing to consider is that if they are close together, that the possibily of collision with inductions (urgg) is far greater. But really as Aussie said is is so unlikely that they will have their babies the same day that you could theorectically take them both.