As a doula, I’ve walked into countless hospital rooms where labor is unfolding in real time—sometimes slowly and peacefully, sometimes quickly and intensely. And almost every time, someone eventually says the same thing:

“I wish I had packed that.”

Packing your birth bag isn’t just about being prepared. It’s about creating a small sense of comfort and familiarity in a space that can feel very clinical and unfamiliar. When labor begins, the last thing you want is to be worrying about socks, phone chargers, or lip balm.

So from a doula who has seen a lot of birth bags—some brilliant and some… a little chaotic—here are the things I gently encourage my clients to bring.

Comfort Items for Labor

Labor is physical, emotional, and often unpredictable. Small comforts can make a big difference.

Comfortable robe or loose gown
Hospital gowns are practical, but many parents feel more relaxed in something that feels like their own clothing. A soft robe is perfect for walking the halls or staying cozy between contractions.

Warm socks or slippers
Labor rooms can get chilly, and warm feet go a long way toward overall comfort.

Lip balm
This is the item that people forget most often. Labor breathing can make your lips incredibly dry, and having lip balm nearby can feel like a tiny lifesaver.

Hair ties or headband
Once labor gets intense, hair in your face becomes very annoying very quickly.

Massage oil or lotion
If your partner or doula is providing back pressure or massage, a little lotion makes it far more comfortable.

Things That Help the Environment

One of the most helpful things you can do in labor is create a calm atmosphere. Hospitals are busy places, but you can still shape the environment around you.

Battery candles or soft lighting
Many hospital rooms are lit with bright fluorescent lights. Soft lighting can make the room feel calmer and more intimate.

A small speaker or playlist
Music can be grounding during labor. Some parents want calm music, others want complete silence—either way, it’s nice to have the option.

Essential oils (if allowed)
A familiar scent like lavender or peppermint can help some people relax or refocus during contractions.

Practical Must-Haves

These are the items that may not be glamorous, but they make life much easier.

Phone charger with a long cord
Hospital outlets are often in inconvenient places. A long charging cable saves a lot of frustration.

Snacks and drinks
Labor can be long. Having easy snacks for your partner—and sometimes for yourself depending on hospital policies—can make a big difference.

Copies of your birth preferences
While many hospitals document these in your chart, it can still be helpful to have a printed copy available for nurses and providers.

Insurance card and ID
Not exciting, but definitely important.

After Baby Arrives

The postpartum hours are tender, emotional, and often a little surreal. Having a few comforts ready helps you settle in.

A comfortable outfit for going home
Choose something soft and loose. Your body will still look about six months pregnant, and comfort is key.

A newborn outfit
Hospitals usually provide basics, but many parents love bringing a special outfit for the first trip home.

A simple toiletry kit
Toothbrush, face wash, deodorant, and a hairbrush can feel surprisingly refreshing after birth.

One Thing I Always Tell My Clients

The truth is, you don’t need a perfectly packed bag to have a beautiful birth. Hospitals provide many essentials, and if something is forgotten, someone can usually grab it.

But thoughtful preparation helps you feel grounded. It allows you to focus on what truly matters—moving through labor, welcoming your baby, and stepping into a moment that will change your life forever.

And from a doula’s perspective, the best thing you can pack in your birth bag isn’t an item at all.

It’s the intention to take your birth one moment at a time.

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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.

I have had a baby already. I am an experienced mom. Why would I need a doula for my second baby?

Why You Still Need a Doula for Your Second Birth

As I sit here on call, waiting for a family I had the honor of supporting during their first birth, I find myself reflecting on something I hear so often:
“Do I really need a doula for my second baby?”

It’s an honest question. You’ve done this before. You know how contractions feel, what labor might look like, how to breathe through the waves. You’ve experienced the power of birth firsthand.

But here’s what I’ve learned from standing beside families through their first, second, third — even sixth births:

No two births are ever the same.

Just because you’ve given birth before doesn’t mean this birth won’t bring its own emotions, rhythms, or unexpected turns. Your body might remember some of the process — but this body has changed. This baby is different. The circumstances of your life — your heart, your support system, your fears, your hopes — are not the same.

Birth is unpredictable — and that’s exactly why having a doula matters.

You don’t know how your labor will unfold — none of us do. Babies tend to keep their birth plans a secret until the very last moment. Most of the time, things go smoothly… but sometimes they don’t. And when the unexpected happens — physically, emotionally, or both — you deserve someone who can remain calm in the chaos and steady in the storm.

Doulas are trained to handle change.

When things shift, we don’t panic — we adapt.
We help you understand your options, find your voice, and stay grounded through every twist and turn.

You might find yourself exhausted, overwhelmed, or pushed to your emotional edge. Your partner might be, too. That’s when having someone in the room who’s calm, present, and experienced becomes everything — someone who can think clearly, advocate gently, and guide you through the intensity with compassion and strength.

Sometimes, second-time parents feel pressure to “have it all together.” To be the strong one, the experienced one. But birth is not a performance. It’s not about doing it better than last time — or even the same. It’s about surrendering — again — to the unknown, and being fully supported in it.

A doula isn’t there because you’re inexperienced.
A doula is there because you’re human.

We’re there to hold space for your emotions, to protect your environment, and to gently guide your partner in offering meaningful support. We’re there to notice the moments you might miss, to advocate for your wishes, and to keep you anchored when things get intense.

Sometimes second births are faster. Sometimes they’re not.
Sometimes they’re more emotional, more healing, more overwhelming than the first.
And sometimes, the need for continuous, unwavering support is even greater — especially when there’s a toddler at home, past trauma to process, or new fears rising up.

Having a doula isn’t about whether or not you can do it.
Of course you can. You already have.

It’s about knowing you don’t have to do it alone.

The post Do I need a doula for a second baby? 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.

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.

A doulatog is the best of both worlds. It’s a winning combination of a doula, providing pregnancy support, and a professional birth photographer. My goal is to support and empower you and your partner in having a safe and positive birth experience.

Having a doulatog eliminates the the number of people attending your birth as well. We all know hospital rooms can get cramped really quick. Homebirth can be the same. A person wearing two hats (doula and birth photographer) can reduce the number of people present.

A doulatog can also help financially. It is a terrible position to want both services but know that a budget only covers one. Having someone schooled and knowledge in both disciplines is a definite win!

If you would like to know more about this service I offer, please take a look at my package page and then contact me today.

The post What is a Doulatog 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.

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