Testing the water- becoming a doulatog
A year ago I was starting a new chapter finding an identity outside of “mom.” Photography has created so many positive experiences for me as I continue to grow into a better version of myself. I am just so thrilled to continue to find new doors to open and see what’s behind them. I’m pushing open a new door now that’s giving me a look inside the business of being a doulatog.
I’ve known long before I delved in to photography that I was meant to be part of a woman/family’s journey navigating pregnancy and birth. As I’ve shared with many of you, I initially headed down the path of PhD prep, working in a research lab and starting an independent research project on how hormones are connected to anxiety during pregnancy. I struggled with marrying research and schooling with my role in my family, and ultimately veered in a different direction that led me to a camera and business ownership. While initially I thought my connection to birthing families would be more behind the scenes via research and data, I am so thankful that didn’t end up being my place (at least for now). I would be missing out on being somewhere I really love, and that is working directly with the families in their sacred space. I don’t consider my place being behind the camera documenting the process. As valuable as that role is, it’s much more complex than that for me.
Where I am today, I’m excited to be headed down this new path in my ever-evolving photography business. I’m confident to officially consider myself a doulatog. I am so incredibly fulfilled being a more active participant in an individuals birth journey. So what does being a doulatog mean exactly and what does that look like?
I’ll be honest in saying I can’t give you a straight and clear answer, as it is not a “one-size fits all” definition, and what I do will vary from family to family. I am a photographer and a doula bundled up in a pretty little bow. How much photographer and how much doula you need is contingent on how much or how little support and involvement your family needs. Maybe you have another doula and just need a photographer- great! Got you covered. Maybe you would benefit from having extra emotional support, not just during your birth but also prenatally. The kind of support from me as your doulatog is backed by training and evidence based research that allows me to help you feel supported and empowered during your pregnancy and birth. If you aren’t entirely sure what a doula is or why they are so incredibly valuable, I encourage you to reach out and have a conversation with me! I could go on and on about them (annnnnd honestly probably will in another blog post).
As a doulatog, I’m able to dance the labor dance with you and document along the way. I’m able to understand when the camera needs to be put down, the birth pool needs filled, your partner needs to eat and you need comfort in different birthing positions, or a medical professional is explaining something to you and you need a second to take a beat and catch your breath before making any kind of decisions. Maybe you and your partner both need space and rest, but feel better knowing someone is there when you need them. All of these things can happen while documenting and beautifully telling your birth story.
I’ve found a home being part of the entire birth process. It’s a tandem role that allows for an incredibly personal birth experience with support and once in a lifetime moments documented.
As comfortable as I feel in the birth space, as confident as I am in my knowledge and ability, there’s an anxious-excitement that I’m feeling as I venture down this new avenue. I’ve opened the door and taken the first few steps into somewhat new territory. There’s a lot of work to be done in order to reach my goals of certification (these are two separate certifications and both of them individually are their own tedious processes). But, a year ago all of this were just thoughts in my head. Those thoughts have finally starting coming to fruition- plans put in place and steps towards achievement. Right now, all I’m really thinking is:
Bring on the babies! Bring on the empowering birth experiences! Let’s rock the shit out of this!
