When do you do the first prenatal appointment?

[HerthElde]

I just had a couple hire me who are due with their second baby in early May

I'm not certain when the best time is to do the first prenatal appointment, though. Because their due date is so far away, does it make sense to wait until January-ish? That is what the couple is leaning towards. Or would it make more sense to meet right away? The mama is coming over tomorrow morning to drop off my deposit cheque and take a peek through my library, and she is an acquaintance of mine (we go to LLL together, facebook friends, etc).

[doula Michele]

I have a client booked for may..she hired me at 6 weeks. We are not doing prenatal visits until March or april. In the meantime she can email me if questions come up.

[Rain Forest Doula]

I think it is fine to meet in Jan. Especially if that is what this couple is leaning towards. Nov. and Dec. can be really busy for a lot of people. You have some time before May comes along. Plus, when she comes over tomarrow you will probably get a chance to chat a bit.

It's great when mamas come to you early. Then you have a lot of time to understand their desires, build trust, etc. Have fun!!

[Doula_Steph]

I meet with my clients at 4 weeks and 2 weeks prior to their due date.

[nmorgart]

I meet with my clients about 2 weeks after they hire me.

[motherrisingdoula]

I try to get both prenatal visits completed by 37 weeks. I like to have atleast 2 weeks between visits so they can have time to soak up what we talked about and practice their breathing techniques.

[DL]

If it was my client due in May, I would have the first prenatal in March and then the second prenatal in April.