And yet—so many families spend more time researching strollers than they do choosing the person who will stand beside them in that exact moment.

If you’re searching for the right doula in Los Angeles, this is your reminder: this choice matters deeply.

Not just for your birth plan.
But for how you feel inside your birth.

A Doula Isn’t Just Support—She’s Energy in the Room

A doula isn’t simply someone who shows up with a birth ball and a calm voice.

She is:

• The tone of the room when things feel uncertain
• The steady presence when everything intensifies
• The person who reminds you who you are when you start to forget

Birth is not just physical—it is emotional, mental, and deeply psychological. The right doula knows how to hold all of that without overpowering it.

Because here’s the truth:
Who you invite into your birth space will shape your experience.

Los Angeles Has Options—But That Doesn’t Make It Easier

The beauty of Los Angeles is that there is no shortage of incredible doulas.

The challenge?
Not every doula is your doula.

Some are more clinical and structured.
Some are deeply intuitive and hands-on.
Some specialize in hospital births, while others thrive in home birth settings.

And none of those are wrong.

But one of them will feel right.

How to Choose the Right Doula (Trust This Process)

1. Pay Attention to How You Feel—Not Just Their Resume

Yes, experience matters. Training matters. Reviews matter.

But more than anything:
How do you feel when you talk to them?

Do you feel safe?
Seen?
Heard without needing to explain yourself?

Because during labor, you won’t be analyzing credentials—you’ll be responding to energy.

2. Alignment Over Aesthetics

It’s easy to be drawn to a polished Instagram feed or beautifully branded website.

But ask yourself:

• Do they support your birth preferences?
• Are they flexible if things shift?
• Do they respect your intuition, even if it changes in the moment?

The right doula doesn’t impose—she supports.

3. Ask the Questions That Actually Matter

Skip the surface-level questions and go deeper:

• How do you handle unexpected changes during labor?
• What is your approach if I feel overwhelmed or panicked?
• How do you support partners in the room?
• What does advocacy look like to you?

You’re not hiring a service.
You’re inviting someone into one of the most intimate days of your life.

4. Consider Your Birth Setting

Whether you’re planning a home birth, birth center, or hospital delivery in Los Angeles, your doula should feel confident and experienced in that environment.

Each setting comes with its own rhythm, policies, and dynamics.
The right doula knows how to navigate them without disrupting your experience.

What I See as a Birth Photographer

I don’t always act as both a birth photographer and a birth doula. Sometimes, families want separate people in those roles. As a birth photographer, I’ve been in rooms where the energy felt chaotic… and rooms where it felt sacred.

The difference is often the people in it.

When the right doula is present:

• The room softens
• The birthing person relaxes into themselves
• Partners feel more confident and connected
• The entire experience becomes more intentional

It’s not about controlling birth.
It’s about feeling held inside of it.

You Deserve to Feel Safe in Your Birth

Not rushed.
Not dismissed.
Not like you have to fight to be heard.

You deserve to feel:

• Supported
• Respected
• Grounded
• Powerful

And the right doula helps create that space.

Final Thoughts: Trust Yourself

Finding the right doula in Los Angeles isn’t about choosing the most popular name or the most expensive package.

It’s about choosing the person who feels like a steady exhale.

The one who walks into the room and makes you think:
“Okay… I can do this.”

Because you can.

And you shouldn’t have to do it alone.

The post Finding the Right Doula in Los Angeles appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

If you’ve started looking into newborn photography, you’ve likely come across two popular options: birth photography and Fresh 48 sessions. While both beautifully document your baby’s arrival, they capture very different moments—and choosing the right one depends on the story you want to tell.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Birth Photography?

Birth photography documents the entire labor and delivery experience—from early labor (or active labor) through the moment your baby is born and those first emotional hours after.

This includes:

• Labor support moments
• Your partner’s reactions
• The intensity and strength of birth
• The exact moment your baby enters the world
• First cries, first touch, first feeding

Birth photography is raw, emotional, and deeply powerful. It tells the full story of how your baby arrived—not just the outcome, but the journey.

From my perspective as a birth photographer, here’s why so many parents choose to document their birth story.

What Is a Fresh 48 Session?

A Fresh 48 session takes place within the first 24–48 hours after birth, typically in the hospital, birth center, or at home.

These sessions focus on:

• Your baby’s brand-new features
• First yawns, stretches, and snuggles
• Family introductions (siblings, grandparents)
• Quiet, intimate bonding moments

Fresh 48 sessions are more relaxed and documentary in style—no posing, no props, just real life in those first fleeting hours.

Key Differences Between Birth Photography and Fresh 48

Timing

• Birth Photography: During labor, delivery, and immediately after birth
• Fresh 48: 1–2 days after your baby is born

Storytelling

• Birth Photography: The full journey of labor and birth
• Fresh 48: The beginning of life outside the womb

Emotion & Intensity

• Birth Photography: Raw, powerful, and emotional
• Fresh 48: Calm, tender, and intimate

Environment

• Birth Photography: Delivery room (hospital, birth center, or home birth)
• Fresh 48: Recovery room or home setting

Which One Is Right for You?

If you want to remember every moment—the strength, the anticipation, the first breath—birth photography is unmatched.

If you prefer something more low-key but still meaningful, a Fresh 48 session captures those once-in-a-lifetime newborn details without the intensity of labor.

Many families choose both to tell the complete story—from the first contraction to those quiet first cuddles.

Can You Have Both?

Absolutely—and they complement each other beautifully.

Birth photography captures the power of becoming, while Fresh 48 preserves the peace of arrival.

Together, they create a complete, emotional narrative you’ll treasure forever.

Final Thoughts

No matter which you choose, these early moments pass quickly. Having them documented allows you to revisit not just how it looked—but how it felt.

Whether you’re drawn to the raw beauty of birth photography or the quiet magic of a Fresh 48 session, you’re preserving the beginning of your baby’s story.

If you are drawn to one or both of these, you can view my birth photography packages here.

The post Birth photography vs Fresh 48—what’s the difference? appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

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.

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.

Early in your pregnancy, it is important to make informed decisions about where you give birth. There are several factors to think about such as location of your preferred provider, where you feel safest and financial and insurance concerns. The decision of where you give birth impacts your involvement with decision making during labor and delivery, the type of care you receive and the choices and options you have during labor.

If you are a healthy pregnant woman, the choices can include a hospital birth, a freestanding birth center or a home birth. If you are at risk for a medical condition or currently have one, you will likely want to plan a hospital birth with an obstetrician. Your care provider can tell you about situations that could require more specialized care.

This decision goes hand in hand with which maternity care provider you use. Home and freestanding birth centers generally use a midwifery team where as a hospital birth will use an OB or a midwife.

What is a Homebirth?

Simply put, a homebirth is giving birth to your child in your residence rather than a hospital or birth center. These births can be planned or unplanned. For the sake of this post, I will focus on planned homebirths

To have a homebirth, you like likely still need the assistance of someone experienced and qualified during labor and delivery. This can be

• a certified nurse-midwife (CNM)
• a certified professional midwife (CPM) or other direct-entry midwife
• a midwife whose education and licensure meet international standards
• a naturopathic or medical doctor who practices obstetrics

Is a Homebirth Safe?

This is tricky. It really depends on who you ask or where you get your information. Neither the American Academy of Pediatrics (APA) nor American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) currently recommends homebirths. They maintain hospitals and birthing centers are the safest option.

A 2014 study including nearly 17,000 women who had a planned home birth with the assistance of a midwife found that there was no significant increase in neonatal death compared with planned hospital births. This study can be seen in the National Library of Medicine. This landmark study confirms the safety and overwhelmingly positive health benefits for low-risk mothers and babies who choose to birth at home with a midwife. At every step of the way, midwives are providing excellent care.

“Home birth mothers had much lower rates of interventions in labor. While some interventions are necessary for the safety and health of the mother or baby, many are overused, are lacking scientific evidence of benefit, and even carry their own risks. Cautious and judicious use of intervention results in healthier outcomes and easier recovery, and this is an area in which midwives excel. Women who planned a home birth had fewer episiotomies, pitocin for labor augmentation, and epidurals”.

“Most importantly, their babies were born healthy and safe. Ninety-seven percent of babies were carried to full-term, they weighed an average of eight pounds at birth, and nearly 98% were being breastfed at the six-week postpartum visit with their midwife. Only 1% of babies required transfer to the hospital after birth, most for non-urgent conditions. Babies born to low-risk mothers had no higher risk of death in labor or the first few weeks of life than those in comparable studies of similarly low-risk pregnancies”. 

There is still a lot of debate around the safety of planned home births. However, there are numerous factors to consider before you make the decision. For low risk pregnancies, the risk of neonatal mortality in home births is not significantly higher than in a hospital, as long as a trained medical professional is present to assist.

What Does it Mean to be Low-Risk?

As mentioned before, studies have shown that homebirth for low-risk mothers have very positive outcomes. But what does it mean to be low risk? Low risk mothers are free of conditions such as heart disease, kidney disease, blood clotting disorders, type I diabetes, gestational diabetes managed with insulin, preeclampsia, bleeding (that is separate from bloody show) or placenta previa at beginning of labor. This is not an exhaustive list. Please contact your health care professional about any health conditions you may have.

What is a Hospital Transfer and why would I need it?

During a planned home birth, you might need to be transported to a hospital for monitoring or treatment if complications develop. While this is not an exhaustive list, your health care provider might recommend transfer to a hospital if:

• Labor isn’t progressing
• Your baby shows signs of distress
• Your baby presents in a position other than headfirst
• Pain relief is needed
• You have high blood pressure
• You experience bleeding

Pros of a homebirth

• a familiar, comfortable setting
• more control
• no pressure to use medications or interventions
• high chance of having a vaginal birth
• more support and individualized care than in a hospital
• opportunity for unlimited skin-to-skin time with baby after birth
• high rates of exclusive breastfeeding
• reduced cost
• religious or cultural considerations
• convenience when previous births have happened very quickly
• freedom to labor as you wish
• eat or drink
• take warm showers or baths
• use candles or aromatherapy

Cons of having a homebirth

• It is not a safe option for everyone, depending on your individual risk factors.
• Insurance may not cover any associated costs.
• You could still be transferred to the hospital in the event of an emergency.
• Birth can be messy, so it’s best to be prepared with plastic sheets and clean towels.

If you are considering homebirth, learn about others’ experiences, read read read, and talk to your doctor or midwife. Once you are cleared for having a homebirth, enjoy the process and don’t forget to hire your birth photographer and doula! I have an option for both here.

The post Should I have a homebirth? appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.

I am currently a doula and birth photographer (doulatog) to a wonderful couple in San Diego. Recognizing mom was worried about how she would know which stage of labor she was in, prompted me to write. I drew up an easy to read document that outlined labor stages and how to recognize them. I hope you find in beneficial.

WHAT IS PRE LABOR AND HOW WILL I KNOW I AM IN IT?

–Contractions are neither consistent nor build in intensity.

–It’s an exciting time, but don’t obsess. Go to lunch. Go to a movie. Relax, this can last a while.

–Call you doula

WHAT IS EARLY LABOR AND HOW WILL I KNOW I AM IN IT?

–contractions get more consistent and closer together–predictable.

–you may have a bit of blood or mucus when you go to the bathroom. You may have lost your mucus plug.

–your water may break

–time to really breath during the contractions. The Destresser Breath-In through your nose filling your belly 4 seconds and out through your mouth for 6 seconds. Repeat 4 times calmly. Sit on the birth ball, sway with your partner. Lean over birth ball. Whatever you are comfortable with.

MOVING INTO ACTIVE LABOR AND HOW DO I KNOW I AM IN IT?

–Contractions 3-4 minutes apart and growing in intensity.

–Time to go to the hospital

–The 4-1-1 rule. The contractions are every 4 minutes, lasting 1 minute over the course of an hour.

–mom may feel very emotional at this point, but remain calm, baby is coming!

–continue to breath with the technique above through the contractions. Sway with partner, use birth ball, rebozo and anything that is helpful for you.

WHAT IS ACTIVE LABOR AND HOW DO I KNOW I AM IN IT?

–contractions getting intense and you are dilating from 6-8 centimeters. You will be in the hospital.

–use swaying techniques, breathing, birth ball, squats, rebozo, aromatherapy, visualization, shower, counterpressure and toilet to help you.

WHAT IS TRANSITION AND HOW DO I KNOW I AM IN IT?

–This is the most intense part of labor but the shortest. The end is near!

–You are going from 8-10 centimeters.

–Contractions are practically on top of each other.

–You may feel the need to poop–this means baby is coming!

–You may feel the need to push and bear down. Please resist that urge as you could possibly tear.

–If you don’t feel that urge, try to continue the same breathing pattern you have been. If you do feel the urge-do the shallow “hee, hee, hoo, hoo” breaths

IS IT TIME TO PUSH BABY OUT AND HOW WILL I KNOW?

–your doctor or midwife will know when you are 10 centimeters and will instruct you to push.

–baby may be crowing at this point.

–Don’t hold your breath while you push as it can cause tearing. Breathe your baby out. Breath in, ideally through your nose, and breathe out to push with a guttural moan.

The post What are the Stages of Labor? 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!

The post Los Angeles Birth Doula appeared first on BIRTH AND BEAUTY.