If you’re pregnant and weighing your pain relief options, one of the most common questions is:
“What does an epidural actually feel like?”

You may have heard strong opinions in every direction—some people call it a lifesaver, others describe it as scary. The reality is far more balanced and grounded in real, physical sensations that unfold step by step.

This guide walks you through what an epidural does and what it feels like in the moment, so you can approach labor with clearer expectations and less fear of the unknown.

What an Epidural Does During Labor

An epidural is a form of regional anesthesia used to reduce pain during labor. Medication is delivered through a small catheter placed in your lower back, blocking pain signals from traveling from your uterus and birth canal to your brain.

You remain awake, alert, and present for your baby’s birth—but with significantly reduced pain.

Most people describe contractions shifting from sharp and overwhelming to strong pressure or tightening.

What It Feels Like to Get an Epidural: Step by Step

Getting Into Position

To place an epidural, you’ll be asked to sit up or lie on your side and curl your back outward. This position opens the spaces between your vertebrae so the anesthesiologist can place the catheter safely.

For many people, this is actually the most difficult part—not because of pain, but because you’re asked to stay still while experiencing contractions. Nurses and partners usually help support your body so you can hold the position safely.

The Numbing Injection

Before the epidural is placed, the area is numbed with a local anesthetic.

This typically feels like:

• a quick pinch
• followed by a brief burning or stinging sensation

The discomfort is intense but short-lived, lasting about 10–20 seconds.

The Epidural Placement

Once the area is numb, the epidural needle is used to place a thin, flexible catheter into the epidural space.

Most people report:

• pressure rather than sharp pain
• a deep pushing sensation in the lower back

Occasionally, you may feel a quick electric-like sensation down one leg. This is normal and happens when the needle briefly brushes a nerve. It’s startling, but it passes quickly.

Important to know: the needle does not stay in your back—only the soft catheter remains to deliver medication.

What the Epidural Feels Like Once It Starts Working

The First Signs of Relief

Within about 5–15 minutes, you’ll begin to feel a shift.

Many people notice:

• warmth spreading through the lower body
• a heavy, relaxed sensation in the legs
• contractions becoming pressure rather than pain

For someone who has been laboring intensely, this moment often brings a powerful emotional response—relief, tears, or even laughter.

As the Medication Fully Sets In

As the epidural takes full effect:

• your legs may feel numb, tingly, or heavy
• you’ll remain in bed for safety
• contractions are still present, but far more manageable

You’re still mentally present and aware of your body—you’re not sedated or asleep.

The Emotional Experience of Getting an Epidural

Pain relief in labor isn’t just physical—it can shift your entire emotional state.

After hours of tension and adrenaline, the sudden drop in pain can feel overwhelming. Some people cry from relief. Others finally rest or sleep. For many, it’s the first moment they feel they can breathe again.

This emotional release is normal and often overlooked when people talk about epidurals.

Benefits and Tradeoffs of Epidurals

Benefits

• Strong and reliable pain relief
• Ability to rest during long or exhausting labor
• Can make complex or medically necessary interventions more manageable

Possible Tradeoffs

• Limited mobility during labor
• Pushing phase may take longer
• Labor sometimes slows, increasing the chance of additional interventions
• Possible side effects such as itching, a drop in blood pressure, or headaches (rare)

Is Getting an Epidural Scary?

Many people fear the idea of a needle in their back, but the actual experience is usually described as:

brief sting → unusual pressure → noticeable relief

Knowing what to expect can transform the experience from something frightening into something predictable and manageable.

There Is No “Right” Choice in Labor

Some people plan for an epidural, some plan to avoid one, and many decide in the moment. All of these paths are valid.

What matters most is understanding your options so you can make decisions that feel informed, supported, and right for your body and your birth experience.

The post How an Epidural Feels in Labor appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

There’s a question almost every client quietly carries — even if they never say it out loud:

“If things get intense… will she put the camera down?”

The answer is simple.

Yes. Always.

Before your birth, we talk through all of this during our prenatal session. We discuss different scenarios, your preferences, and what support looks like for you. Some partners are incredibly hands-on and steady, and in those moments, they may be exactly what you need — even during the most intense waves of labor.

That doesn’t mean I’ll be continuously shooting. And it doesn’t mean I’ll disappear into the background either.

I’m always there. Watching. Reading the room. Ready to step in with reassurance, grounding, or a steady hand if needed.

Because your experience will always matter more than any image I could capture.

Birth Is Not a Photoshoot

Birth is raw. It’s unpredictable. It’s sacred. It doesn’t follow timelines or lighting plans.

When I walk into a birth space, I don’t enter thinking about angles first. I enter thinking about you — your breathing, your energy, your partner, the tone of the room.

The camera is a tool.

Support is the foundation.

And because I’m trained as a labor doula, I’m constantly assessing:

• Is she coping well?
• Does she need grounding touch?
• Is her partner feeling confident?
• Is the room calm?

Sometimes that means I’m quietly documenting.

Sometimes it means I’m hip-squeezing through a contraction.

Sometimes it means the camera goes down completely.

How I Actually Balance Both Roles

The truth is, it’s not chaotic — it’s intuitive.

Before your birth, I spend a lot of time with you and your partner during our prenatal visits, showing both of you comfort measures, how to use counterpressure effectively, how to work with a rebozo, and how to breathe together during critical moments. I don’t expect anyone to remember everything when labor is happening, but I’m there to gently cue you with a simple, “Remember…” so you can focus on the birth itself.

After years of attending births, I’ve learned the rhythm. Labor has waves. There are intense moments, and then there are pauses. Those pauses allow me to step back and document without ever compromising support.

Here’s what that often looks like in real time:

• During early labor — I document more freely while offering steady presence and guidance.
• During active labor — I move fluidly between counterpressure, encouragement, and capturing emotion.
• During transition — I am almost always hands-on.
• During pushing — I document strategically while staying grounded beside you.

If at any point you need me fully present, the camera rests. No hesitation.

Because no image is more important than your experience.

What Happens When Things Get Intense?

This is where being both a doula and a photographer truly matters.

When intensity rises:

• I know what’s normal.
• I know when to reassure.
• I know when to advocate.
• I know when to step in physically.
• And I know when to step back and let your partner lead.

There’s no panic. No scrambling. No “choosing” between jobs.

Support always comes first.

Ironically, that’s also what allows the most powerful images to unfold — because you are genuinely supported, not staged.

The Sacred Trust of Doing Both

Being invited into someone’s birth space is an enormous honor. It’s a privilege few ever get to experience, and it comes with a deep responsibility — to witness, to support, and to protect the sacredness of the moment.

Holding a camera in that space? That adds another layer of trust. I am not just present; I am observing, capturing, and translating the raw, fleeting emotions of one of the most vulnerable, intense, and miraculous experiences of your life.

But holding your hand while you bring your baby into the world — that is the heart of it. It is the part that requires full presence, unwavering focus, and a gentle awareness of every breath, every contraction, every shift in energy. It’s leaning in when you need reassurance, staying silent when you need space, and knowing instinctively when to guide and when to simply witness.

The photographs that emerge from this space are powerful not because of perfect lighting or carefully framed shots — they are powerful because of the care, support, and trust that underlie every image. They carry the story of your strength, your vulnerability, your love, and the people holding space for you.

Not in spite of the support. Because of it.

Why This Approach Changes Everything

When your doula is also your photographer:

There’s no extra body in the room, no added distractions — just a calm, steady presence devoted entirely to you.

There’s no need to explain your birth preferences twice or worry about whether someone understands your wishes in the heat of the moment.

There’s no split attention between two providers; every hand, every glance, every word is focused on supporting you fully.

There’s seamless trust, the kind that allows you to surrender to the process, knowing you are seen, understood, and held.

And most importantly — there’s someone who truly sees you, not just through the lens, but with the heart. Someone who witnesses the intensity, the vulnerability, the strength, and the love that surrounds your birth.

Both through the lens, capturing the moments that will tell your story for a lifetime.

And beyond it, standing beside you, holding space, and honoring every breath, every contraction, every triumph.

The post When the Camera Goes Down: How I Balance Hands-On Labor Support While Capturing Powerful Birth Images appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

When I talk with expecting parents, I often hear the same question asked in different ways:
What difference does it really make to have a doula and a birth photographer present at birth?

The simplest answer is this: birth is more than a medical event. It’s emotional, vulnerable, intense, and life-changing. And in those hours, having someone there who is focused entirely on you—and someone preserving the truth of your story—can shape not only how birth feels, but how it is remembered.

My Role as a Doula: Supporting You in the Moment

As a doula, my job is not to direct your birth or take over the room. It’s to listen, to notice, and to support you in a way that feels steady and grounding.

I’m there to help you trust what your body is doing. To remind you that the sensations you’re feeling are purposeful. To offer reassurance when things feel intense or unfamiliar. I support your partner, too—so they don’t feel like they have to hold everything on their own.

Hospitals and birth spaces are often busy, clinical places. Staff rotate. Policies change. In contrast, I stay. I hold continuity. I help create a sense of calm and safety so you can stay connected to yourself and your birth.

Why I Believe Birth Photography Matters

As a birth photographer, I witness things that are easy to miss in the moment.

You may not remember the way your partner looked at you when you were focused inward. You may not see the strength in your own body as it works so hard to bring your baby into the world. Hormones, exhaustion, and emotion can blur details quickly.

The photographs I take are not about perfection or performance. They are about truth. They document the connection, the power, the tenderness, and the transformation that happens in that room.

These images become part of your family’s story—not just for you, but for your child one day.

The Importance of Being Witnessed in Birth

One of the most meaningful parts of having a doula and birth photographer present is being seen.

Birth asks you to be vulnerable in ways most of us are not used to. When you are surrounded by people whose role is simply to witness without judgment, pressure, or expectation, it can be incredibly freeing.

I’ve seen how being witnessed helps people soften into their labor. How it allows them to feel safe enough to let go. How it changes the way they speak about their birth afterward—especially if it didn’t unfold exactly as planned.

Holding the Experience and the Memory

I often think of doula support as holding the experience of birth in real time, while birth photography holds the memory.

In the moment, I’m focused on your comfort, your emotional well-being, and the flow of the room. Later, the photographs allow you to revisit your birth with clarity and compassion. They help fill in the gaps, affirm your strength, and remind you of how deeply supported you were.

Together, these roles work hand in hand.

Birth Deserves Care, Presence, and Remembrance

Choosing to have a doula and birth photographer is not about adding more people to your birth. It’s about creating a container where you feel supported, respected, and deeply cared for during one of the most important days of your life.

Birth deserves to be remembered honestly.
And you deserve to be held—during it, and long after you look back.

If you’re feeling curious about what this kind of support might look like for your own birth, I’d love to connect. There’s no expectation and no rush—just a conversation to see if it feels like the right fit for you and your family. You deserve to feel supported, seen, and cared for as you prepare to welcome your baby, and I’m always happy to answer questions or talk things through when you’re ready.

The post The Benefits of Having a Doula and Birth Photographer appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

Do I have to lie on my back to deliver my baby?

What happens during a hospital labor and birth depends greatly on your advocacy and your OB. It is important for you to speak about options with your OB before you head to the hospital to birth. Making sure they are open to what you want and need is crucial to avoid being super uncomfortable at the hospital. If they are not open to your wishes, it is never too late to find a different OB.

One option to ask your OB is if they are open to birthing in different positions, not just on your back and your legs in stirrups. Now, I have heard OBs say to clients, “Of course you can labor in different positions.” However, that wasn’t your question. Your question is birthing in different positions. That is a HUGE difference. You may end up feeling that your back is the best way for you at the time, but maybe in that moment, it is better if you stand, be on all fours, or be in a side-lying position. An OB should really be the guide and help if there is a complication, and allow you the freedom to birth as you wish. If they are not or are sticklers for being on your back, then you need to decide if that is the right OB for you.

What If I Want Delayed Cord Clamping?

Your idea and your OB’s idea of delayed cord clamping may be vastly different. Again, I believe in hospitals and doctors, and if there is an emergency, there is no other place I would want to be. That said, having babies is a numbers game. Quick in and quick out, make room for the next family. For most OBs (huge generalization here), their idea of cord clamping is about a minute to, at most, 5 minutes. They want to sew you up (if needed for tearing), make sure there is no excess bleeding and move on.

The reason for delayed cord clamping is to allow for the transfer of blood and stem cells from the placenta to the newborn. These benefits include increased blood volume, improved iron stores, and potentially better neurodevelopmental outcomes. So, for these reasons, delayed cord clamping should be done until the cord turns white. That means all the goodies have gone to the baby, and there are none left in the cord. This, generally speaking, is going to be longer than 5 minutes. It could be up to 10 minutes. That is a long time in a doctor’s world. It is important to talk to them before your baby’s birth date. This should be included in your birth preference plan.

What if A Different Doctor is Delivering my Baby?

You may be surprised how often this happens. I would say it is about 50/50, in my experience, that a family’s chosen OB does the actual delivery. It is important that you give and have the on-call OB (as well as the nurses) know that you have a birth preference plan. The on-call OB needs to know your wishes. This is where advocacy for yourself is super important because now you need to start over with this new on-call OB, and make sure you convey the importance of your wishes.

What about the Golden Hour?

After the whirlwind of giving birth, you’ll find yourself in a magical moment of bonding with your new family. There’s a soft hush in the room, punctuated only by the gentle sounds of your newborn’s breaths. For about an hour, you’ll have the precious opportunity to soak in this new reality.

However, the first 15-30 minutes might feel like a bustling hive of activity, with nurses coming in and out, checking vital signs, and ensuring everything is just right. But don’t let that distract you; once those initial flurries settle down, you’ll be left with 30-45 minutes of uninterrupted togetherness. This Golden Hour is generally given unless there is some issue with you or baby.

What about newborn shots?

This is something they will ask if you want. That is entirely up to you.

The vitamin K shot: Newborns have low levels of Vitamin K, which is essential for blood clotting.

Eye Drops: Eye drops (often erythromycin) are given to prevent conjunctivitis (eye infection) caused by certain bacteria that can be present during delivery. 

Hepatitis B Vaccine: This vaccine protects against Hepatitis B virus, which can cause liver damage. The first dose is usually given within 24 hours, with subsequent doses at 1-2 months and 6-18 months.

To learn more about vaccines at the hospital, you can follow this link to UCLA Health

In Summery

I truly hope you found Parts I, II, and III helpful. I want to encourage you to consider hiring a doula (like me!) if you ever feel uncertain about navigating the hospital. Having a supportive guide can make all the difference in your experience.

Going solo is absolutely okay, but be mindful of the potential for information overload. It’s easy to get lost in the sea of links and resources, spiraling down a rabbit hole that might leave you feeling overwhelmed. A doula can help you stay focused and ensure you have the right information at the right time.

Investing in this support can provide peace of mind and empower you to make informed decisions throughout your journey. Your experience matters, and having a dedicated advocate by your side could turn what may feel like a daunting journey into a more manageable and positive one. Consider the benefits—it could be the best choice you make!

The post What Really Happens in Labor Part III appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

This beautiful mother was set to give an unmedicated intervention-free birth at HOAG in Newport Beach, and this wasn’t her first rodeo; it was baby number four. Generally, with subsequent births, you can expect a faster delivery, but this little one won the prize!

Receiving the Call

I received the call around 9 PM that she had finished triage and was now settled in her delivery room. The moment I got the news, I dropped everything and rushed over, arriving around 9:30 PM. As I stepped into the room, I found her moving gracefully, clearly focused, and in the zone, yet occasionally pausing to breathe through the intense contractions sweeping over her body.

The atmosphere in the room was electric, filled with anticipation and determination. The nurse had been tending to her needs but soon stepped out for a moment. Just then, a powerful contraction struck, causing her to bend over the bed, her face a mixture of determination and urgency, as she hollered, “I gotta push!” In that instant, my heart raced. Quickly bolting out of the room, seeking help, I spotted the first staff member in the hallway and exclaimed, “She’s pushing!” My instinct told me it was better to grab someone in person rather than rely on the intercom system, as those answering it often take their time to respond.

Baby Girl Arrives

As I came back into the room, a wave of medical personnel flooded in, ready to assist. They coordinated quickly to help her onto the delivery bed. At that moment, the OB burst into the room, still putting on her gloves. The energy was palpable—everyone understood that time was of the essence.

In a matter of minutes, less than five to be exact, the room filled with the exhilaration of new life. With just a few powerful pushes, the baby emerged, and suddenly, the air was filled with the sweet sound of a newborn’s first cry. A wave of relief and joy washed over everyone present—this was not just a birth; it was the arrival of new hopes and dreams. Witnessing that moment, the sheer strength of the mother, and the collective excitement of the staff made it an unforgettable experience. What a thrilling and poignant reminder of the miracle of life!

The post An Unmedicated Birth appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

If you are planning a holistic natural waterbirth with a medicine woman using anointing oil and chanting children who are smudging your space with sacred white sage, plans can and will change. Without thought and some preparation (like a list of preferences), something that derails in your plan can set your mind on fire and fill you with fear. Even if the hospital cannot grant some of your preferences, the mere fact that you know what may happen in each scenario will put you at ease, lessen fear and allow you to accept a birth story that is different from your envisioned one.

Does a doula help with birth plan preferences?

Yes. A hundred percent yes. I would be leery of a doula who doesn’t go over all scenarios. If your doula is simply writing down all your wants and then putting it on a nice sheet of paper for your doctor or midwife and neglecting to go over alternative scenarios, then they may be doing you a disservice. You should know what may happen in X scenario or Y scenario or even Z scenario.

Won’t I be sad if my birth doesn’t go to plan?

Firstly, remember there is no plan. There are preferences.

Secondly, if you have your heart set on a specific plan and it goes sideways and no thought has been put in to alternate scenarios, you may be sad. That’s not really for me to say. What I will say, is the better prepared you are, the less likely fear and anxiety will take hold should things go differently than what you envision.

Let me explain what I mean by preferences for different scenarios. Below is a quick example of a birth plan that I tend to use. What is in each category is entirely up to you. This is one I used for a recent hospital birth.

After the preliminaries such as who the birth person is, their support people, the EDD, allergies, etc., it looks something like this-

Labor Preferences

We wish to have a calm hospital birth. We will be using hypnobirthing techniques therefore
environment and language is very important to us. We would appreciate not using the words pain and
contraction and use surge , strength, power and intensity.

Monitoring

Intermittent monitoring is requested and preferably with a wireless unit so I can maintain mobility.

Environment

Sight- It is very important that the lights be dimmed throughout labor with use of electric tealights
and/or Fairy lights. Our doula and photographer will be taking photographs. She does have a flash unit
and if it causes distruption in my labor, she will turn it off.
Sound- We have our own music soundtrack.
Smell- We will have essential oils.
Touch- I may use a Tens machine during early labor. I will be wearing a hospital gown.
Taste- I plan to eat and drink normally. I will be bringing snacks and drinks to the hospital.

Pain Relief

Please remind me of the tools I do have which include my breathing techniques, visualizations,
massage, heat pack and cold pack, positive affirmations and shower. Please do not offer pain relief
as I will ask when it is needed.
Additionally I do not want any opioid pain medications, but will consider an epidural only if I am unable
to rest or unable to progress due to discomfort. I would like a “walking epidural” if possible to retain
some movement and awareness.

During Birth

Ideally I do not wish to be lying on my back. I would like to be in a position that promotes
UFO–upright, forward and open which facilitates a quicker and easier birth.
I do not wish to be coached to push, but rather follow the lead of my body and breathe baby down
so baby is born gently and calmly.

After Birth

I would like baby brought to my chest immediately after. If that is not a possibility, I would like my
partner to do skin to skin.
It is important for the environment to remain calm after baby has been born.
I would like delayed cord clamping until all the blood has gone to baby.

Assisted Delivery

Unless there is a medical Emergency

I would rather wait longer, than rush the process.
Unless the baby is in distress, I prefer to obstain from the use of any aggressive measures
including vacuum or forceps. There would need to be a significant medical need for
an episiotomy.

Unplanned Cesarean

I would like to request a gentle cesarean.
I would like to receive my baby to my chest immediately before cleaning or weighing.
Please ensure any electrodes are placed on back to not inhibit this important skin to skin time.
I would like to request delayed cord clamping.
I would like to see my baby being born, so please lower the curtain or have clear draping.
I would like the lights dimmed at the head end, so when baby is brought to my chest,
baby is not subjected to a bright light.

I would like my choice of music played in theater.
If baby needs to go to the NICU, then I want to be able to care for him/her as much as possible and
use my breast milk. I would like help to make sure this happens.

Anything Else

This is where you can put your desire to have the Vitamin K injection, eye ointment, or the HepB vaccine.

Thank you

Thank you for taking the time to read our birth preferences. I am looking forward to the birth of my
baby and planning for a positive and empowering birth experience. I believe this is possible however
my birth plays out. Thank you for supporting us in this very special time in our lives.

Will a hospital pay attention to my birth plan preferences?

It has been my experience that the nurses will read your birth preference and most midwives and OBs. Most are very happy to have it, but some are outliers and feel it is a waste. Will they be able to accommodate everything you have written? Not likely, but it is important that your support person has a vested interest in what it says so they can advocate for you when your energy is elsewhere. The way the above is written is non threatening, lets them know you have done your research and that you are prepared for different scenarios. I like to add the thank you at the end, reminding them they are appreciated, but it is your birth.

I hope this was helpful for you. If you have any questions or are think about a doula (and birth photographer!), feel free to contact me and learn more.

The post Are Birth Plans Reliable? appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

Now, this birth was with two very special humans who I like to call new friends. October 4th was this little lady’s first day breathing air. Mom and Dad had some very specific requests. Hospital trauma is real and should never be confused with simply “not liking hospitals”. Trauma and reactions to it are visceral and can physically manifest. Doing everything possible to minimize additional trauma with childbirth was a task both the partner and I took on. I learned so much as their doula and photographer about managing trauma and feelings of crisis.

The partner showed me techniques they use called EFT Tapping for anxiety. He used it during labor quite effectively. There is not a ton that can be done with a hospital room setting, but going in beforehand, seeing the space and using visualization techniques were helpful. Letting them know exactly what to expect in the room and who to expect in the room was useful. Hospital birthing rooms can become quite crowded when pushing begins. Special essential oils were incorporated, low lighting and electric candles were brought in to make the space comfortable. One thing I always feel is essential is purchasing your own hospital gown. These gowns give the same access to doctors and nurses, but they feel better, look better and don’t remind you of being in a hospital.

The birth preferences for this beautiful momma didn’t go to plan exactly as written, but it was close and she has an amazingly beautiful little girl.

Ready to inquire about labor support and birth photography? Doesn’t cost anything to send a message to me. Talk to you soon!

The post A Pasadena Birth story: Huntington Hospital appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

We set up a Facetime call with her and her husband. They were such wonderful people. We clicked right away. She asked about my doula services that I combine with birth photography. I explained how being a doulatog works. Turns out that was the service she and her husband wanted. Now, I am newly certified birth doula, but excited and passionate about this important service. If you are curious about what a birth doula does, I have a simple to read blog post explaining it here.

I met with them at their San Diego home as I would with all doula clients. We went over their birth desires and preferences. Some people call this a birth plan, but that tends to create unfulfilled wishes and disappointments. If you have a preference and desire, but keep an open mind if things go a different direction, then disappointment is lessened (generally speaking). We went over breathing techniques, talked about labor stages and what to expect. Practicing labor positions and how her partner was an integral part was also practiced. My job mostly was to teach him how to help her. We stayed together several hours talking about all types of things labor related and personal related.

Finally getting to the hospital

The day had arrived to induce labor. Since the hospital was so full, the date kept getting moved back. Finally at 11pm on August 18th, they were instructed to come in. I met them there at 1am or so and have to hand it to this woman. She did everything under the sun to bring this baby earthside. Her partner was the best as he never left her side.

The Pitocin Drip

They started pitocin soon after arriving at the hospital and slowly increased it over time. Many people think that induction means speeding up the process. While this can be true in some circumstances, more often it is a lengthy process. In this case it was very long.

Complete Exhaustion

Around the 30 hour mark, this warrior mother had had enough. The pain was too much, the labor had stalled and she was exhausted. The baby wasn’t tolerating the pitocin increases, yet without the increase her body wasn’t making the contractions it needed to.

A Cesarean Birth

At 8am she was taken back for a cesarean birth. She wanted it done. The exhaustion was overwhelming and she just wanted her baby girl.

Afterwards

They had a wonderfully happy baby girl and I am so proud of them. I have visited a couple times postpartum and she is amazing. Her parents are amazing and I am so blessed (a way overused word!) to have been part of this. If you would like to see there highlight real, you can find it here.

The post Doula and Birth Photographer in San Diego appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

Our job starts far before you go into labor. A doula meets with you and your partner a couple times before the big event. We are there to listen and answer any questions you may have and if we don’t have the answer, we’ll find it. A doula may help you with exercises to prepare for birth, aid you in writing your birth plan or show your partner how they can enjoy the birth process as well.

Doulas serve as someone you can call if you have doubts or questions. You can call your doula to ask a question that comes up, to get words of strength and reassurance or talk you “off the ledge”.

During your birth, we are there with you. Your doula comes when you need her Your doula comes when you need her. Using emotional, physical and informational support, a doula helps you maintain a sense of control, comfort, and confidence. Doulas may use touch, massage or counter pressure to ease the birthing person. Even the best laid plans have a way of going sideways and a doula can help you understand the process or what a doctor or midwife is saying.

What A doula is not

A doula is not a medical worker. We do not give medical advice, supervise a birth or prescribe any medications. The Doula is there to bridge the gap between medical professionals and expectant parents. They do not make medical decisions, but they do explain medical procedures to the parents when they are necessary.

The post What is a doula? appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

Since 2020 put the kibosh on so many sessions, I took this time to study…and study…oh, and study some more! Finally two weeks ago, I became certified birth doula through Mardiella.

What Is a Birth Doula?

“A Doula, or childbirth assistant, is a labor support person who has specific training and experience in providing informational, emotional, and physical support during the childbearing experience, especially during labor and immediately after the birth”.

The Five areas of doula support are:

1. Emotional Support
2. Physical Support
3. Informational Support
4. Partner Reinforcement
5. Self-Advocacy

Emotional Support

There is so much going on with an expectant mother, the very first thing we, as doulas, will do is listen. I mean really listen, without judgement or thinking about what to say. Actively listening and holding space for a mother to express herself is so important.

In a nutshell, “Emotional support is being able to identify what another person is feeling with accuracy and is able to respond in an appropriate, compassionate, and empathetic manner.”

Evidence shows that the best kind of support during birth is someone who knows about birth, is unaffiliated with the hospital, and is also not a member of the birthing person’s family. You do not have to worry about offending a doula as you might with a family member. If the birth plan begins to deviate, doulas are an extra person that can answer questions if staff gets too busy to answer.

Physical Support

A doula provides physical support primarily during labor, but also by demonstrating positioning and massage techniques that can be used by the partner before labor begins.

There are different touch and massage techniques a doula can use, depending on what the mother finds helpful. As labor progresses, the doula may cradle the woman in her arms, wipe her brow, massage her and use other forms of touch as she educates her about what is happening to her body and in the birth of her child. She can instruct the partner or birth companion in doing the same, helping him or her to soothe the mother.

Informational Support

As your doula, we would meet at least once before the birthing day. You can ask and express as much or as little as you want. Maybe you would like information about where to birth? Perhaps you have concerns about pain and pain management options or you need help writing out your birth plan.

Informational support helps keep the birthing person and their partner informed about what’s going on with the course of labor, as well as provides them with access to evidence-based information about birth options. 

Partner Reinforcement

Despite the quality and amount of childbirth classes and preparations they have made, partners are sometimes nervous about the labor and birthing process.

The presence of a Doula can help birth partners participate at their own comfort level; showing them how and when to use various comfort techniques, providing information, and in some cases, looking after them as well. Partners are often grateful to be able to share the “coaching” responsibility with someone more experienced, and can therefore, enjoy the birth experience more themselves.

Self advocacy

Self advocacy means that we (the doula) empowers a woman to speak up for herself in the delivery room. We do not speak on your behalf.

When births moved from home to hospitals the mothers lost much of the control they had in the birth arena. They became patients having procedures done to them instead of women in control of a process that is a natural function of their bodies.

Even in a hospital a woman can be in control, or can at least feel like she has more control if the doula helps her state her wishes in a clear and realistic manner.

Advocacy can take many forms—most of which do not include speaking on behalf of the client. They include:

• Encouraging the birthing person or their partner to ask questions and verbalize their preferences
• Asking the birthing person what they want
• Supporting the birthing person’s decision
• Amplifying the mother’s voice if she is being dismissed, ignored, or not heard, “Excuse me, she’s trying to tell you something. I wasn’t sure if you heard her or not.”
• Facilitating communication between the parents and care providers
• Teaching the birthing person and partner positive communication techniques

What a Doula is Not

A doula is not a medical worker. We do not give medical advice, supervise a birth or prescribe any medications. The Doula is there to bridge the gap between medical professionals and expectant parents. They do not make medical decisions, but they do explain medical procedures to the parents when they are necessary.

Becoming a Los Angeles Birth Doula

There are many training and certifying doula associations. Since the doula profession is not regulated, they are all just as officially valid as the other. However, some of them are bigger, better known and are seen as more legitimate in the profession. Some of them respond to particular needs or niches in the birth community. 

I chose Madriella. Madriella is a licensed, certified online doula training facility that offers several different types of certifications. You can also get hands-on training given by approved workshop providers, experienced doulas that want to pass on their knowledge to other women (which is the heart of the Madriella philosophy).

If you would like to talk about adding doula services to your birth photography package, message me and I will be happy to talk with you. Having a Los Angeles birth doula can not be underestimated!

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