Journey of a Birth Doula and Birth Photographer (An Introduction)
When it comes to ‘what I do for a living’, it’s not uncommon for people to think of me with a camera or paintbrush in hand. Maybe a power tool here and there, you get the idea. From photography to framing, painting to…any other project that comes my way…It’s dawned on me recently how easy it is to portray the physical work I do on a day to day basis - and how challenging it’s been to allow people to view the completely other side of what I do in the world of Birth.
My journey of being a Birth Worker (Photographer and Doula) actually goes back a little over 7 years. Birth Photography was finally catching on as an art and appropriate way to reflect and heal; I also was introduced to the non profit organization, Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, where I volunteered my time and skill set to photograph newborns who did not survive pregnancy or the actual birth itself.
In the studio, I was beginning to photograph more and more newborns. Wanting to make sure I proved myself as more than just wanting to ‘take a pretty picture of a baby’, I was also pushing myself to make sure I was armed with some sort of new information to care for both newborn and parents; It was important to me that I actually care for my clients, not just rush them in and get them out.
One of many doula related books required to complete the DONA certification program in Hawaii.
Birth Photography came as naturally and welcomed as it possibly could; while I loved caring for the families I served behind the camera who had to mourn their children throughout the process of birth, catapulting myself into the other world of expectantly healthy births felt like a perfect balance. Looking back on my ‘first birth’, I remember chatting with the midwife I worked alongside of who said, ‘It rare you can find someone who can serve as a Doula and a Birth Photographer at the same time.’ When I explained that I wasn’t a Doula, she looked back at me, paused, and said, ‘You may want to consider that.’
“‘Teresa, I see people in this line of work come and go, pretending they are looking out for the best interest of these families, whether it’s nurses, doulas, midwives, OBGYNs, volunteers; but there’s something different about you - you actually deeply care for these people. You can see it all over you. That’s not the norm and families need that.’”
To be honest, I didn’t completely understand what exactly was expected of a Doula. Enter my dear friend, Heather of Maryland State Doulas, who I would sprinkle in questions to during our get togethers. While birth doesn’t need to be quite as complicated as we make it these days, it also goes without saying that this is a life changing event that I didn’t want to take lightly and just jump into. I also spoke with another friend (who is the the Head of Bereavement at the hospital I primarily served for Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep) about considering Doula work. I expected her to sort of brush off the role of Doulas altogether, so I was surprised when she said, ‘Teresa, I see people in this line of work come and go, pretending they are looking out for the best interest of these families, whether it’s nurses, doulas, midwives, OBGYNs, volunteers; but there’s something different about you - you actually deeply care for these people. You can see it all over you. That’s not the norm and families need that.’
Another beautiful baby born on the island of Oahu, Kapiolani Medical Center.
As I continued to intentionally consider and learn more about what my role could be in the Birth World, I simultaneously realized how invested I had actually already become; what some people saw as a ‘surprising’ addition to my photography, others took as an unnecessary declaration of sorts. It was the later group that I took to heart, since they were the professionals and experts in birth that already had confidence in me and what I had to offer.
Having said this, it is one thing to gain the trust from people I’ve worked with throughout the years - it’s another to ‘announce’ to the public my experience, passion, education, and how I look to be a positive asset to a parents birth team. But not talking about it also does nothing; so I’ve decided to begin here:
Aloha, my name is Teresa. I am a Photographer and Birth Doula.
ARe you considering a Doula - or just curious to learn more?
I would love to answer any questions you have! Not even sure what to ask? That’s ok too. Never hesitate to reach out to a Doula to simply discuss what your options are, how you may be able to work together, and see who may be the best fit for you. There are many of us who truly want to see you well taken care of and have your best interest at heart.
