Can You Really Take Birth Photos and Be My Doula at the Same Time?

I often hear this question: How do you balance being a birth doula and birth photographer simultaneously? It's a valid concern. Both roles demand significant physical energy and emotional space. However, being able to provide both doula support and birth photography to families in Whitefish, Kalispell, and around the Flathead Valley is so special and rewarding to me. With the right approach, these two roles can beautifully blend to support your journey into parenthood and document this special time.

My journey from photographer to doula

My photography journey began at 15 with a camera in hand, capturing the world in black and white film—a medium I still adore. I attended Pratt Institute and studied photography and art history, graduating with a BFA in Photography in 2002. For many years, I was immersed in all aspects of photography, making it second nature to me.

Seventeen years later, after experiencing the births of my two children with the support of an amazing birth doula, I was inspired to make a career change. I wanted to do something more meaningful and started training as a doula in 2019. Supporting families as they become parents was exactly what I needed, and I fell in love with the beautiful world of birth!

Embracing the dual role of doula and photographer

I’ve attended some births as a photographer only, some as a doula only, and many as both a birth photographer and doula—or as it is sometimes called, a "doula-tog." I enjoy all these roles. There are many quiet moments in birth when I can capture photographs without needing to provide physical doula support. With many years of photography experience, I can capture not just snapshots but beautiful documentary images of your most cherished moments.

Of course, we work closely together to decide what you’d like to prioritize. Here are some ways I balance the roles and the beauty of having one person who does both.

Preferences

Make your birth photography and doula preferences clear before the birth. During labor, I can find quiet moments to capture photos when you don’t need hands-on doula support. Some clients prioritize physical doula support and allow me to capture what I can, while others prioritize photographs. Your preferences might change as labor unfolds, and I can adapt to meet your needs.

One major moment to decide on is when the baby emerges. We discuss whether you want crowning photos and the moment you meet your baby captured or determine if you prefer physical doula support. Often, I can capture the shot and support you simultaneously but it becomes challenging when I am physically helping you into a position, like holding up your leg.

This was the second time I had the honor of supporting and documenting Jess as she gave birth.

Doula care

As a doula, I believe less is often more. You and your baby innately know how to do this. My role is to help guide you and create a sense of comfort and security so you can let go, open up, and birth your baby. I set the scene, make the space calm and beautiful, guide you through position changes, offer water and food, and encourage you throughout the process.

Much of my doula care involves education during our prenatal visits. We talk through the birth process, your options, and your preferences. I practice comfort measures during prenatal visits to see what feels good for you and prep your partner on how they can best support you, especially in early labor before I arrive. Advocacy for doula clients and reminding them of their birth preferences is something I can easily do with my camera in hand.

Positioning

I’ve been able to hold a warm compress with one hand as a client pushed while taking photos with the other hand. There are some cases where I cannot be as dynamic—for example, during a water birth, I can't hold my camera and physically support you in the water at the same time. Positioning myself correctly allows me to be close to you, providing support while also taking photographs as the birth unfolds.

9:45 PM I took this image that won a Bronze award in the 2020 Birth Photographer International Image Competition.

9:48 PM Back in my doula role offering support to this mama. Photo captured by another friend who was in the space also supporting.

Taking care of myself

Providing emotional support and capturing photos for anywhere from 4 to 20+ hours can be exhausting. Taking bathroom breaks, sitting, resting, ordering food, or eating snacks while working are all important. During very long births, I may put the camera down and spend time simply holding space for you. Taking care of myself ultimately means you will receive better doula care and photography.

Trusting my intuition

Doing what feels right in the moment is crucial. Sometimes, I may need to jump into full doula mode, but if your preference is for photography, I can stay in the creative moment. I had one client prioritize doula care during a very long pushing phase after a long active labor. I went full-on doula care and put my camera aside for hours. After the baby finally emerged, I picked up my camera and documented beautiful bonding moments. While we didn’t capture the baby emerging, doula care was exactly what she needed. The photographs of other parts of her journey and bonding moments were priceless.

Processing your birth story

My care doesn’t end at birth. I assist you in processing your birth experience during the postpartum period. As a birth photographer and doula, I can help you sift through your memories and show your story in photographs, aiding in reflection on these transformative moments. This holistic approach can leave you feeling satisfied and empowered.

Personalized birth experience

Having just one extra person in the room rather than a doula and a birth photographer also has its perks! Birth is a deeply personal and intimate experience. Having fewer people in the room can create a more serene and private atmosphere, helping you feel more at ease and focused on the birth process. A doula-tog can seamlessly switch between providing physical and emotional support, capturing beautiful moments without interrupting the flow of the birth. This continuity can enhance your overall birth experience.

Balancing supporting families during the tender moments of birth while preserving their unique stories through my camera can be challenging. I am passionate about both roles and confident in my skills to provide you both. You deserve to have both doula support and beautiful documentation of your birth journey. My dual role ensures that you’ll receive continuous, compassionate support while your most intimate moments are artfully captured.