3 Reasons to Hire a Doula
Cary Newborn Photographer | SMA Photography
As a newborn photographer in Cary, I often get to hear the birth stories of my clients. It is such a joy to hear the story of how each of these sweet babies came into the world during the newborn photography session.
One of the things I’ve learned, as well, since specializing in newborn photography is the positive impact a doula can have on mom and baby’s birth and newborn experience. When I offered birth photography, I had the opportunity to work beside several wonderful doulas and see first-hand the helpful and important role they play in birth.
3 Ways a Doula Will Rock Your World
(Regardless of the birth plan you choose.)
1. She’ll support you and your husband before, during, and after your birth. Labor can be a long process, and having a doula beside you is invaluable. Not only is she there to help make you more comfortable through massage and talking you through how your body is preparing for birth, she’s a rock for your husband, who also needs support through the emotions that come throughout your baby’s birth - whether your birth plan includes a medicated, unmedicated, or cesarean-section birth.
2. She’ll help you to communicate with nurses, doctors, and midwives. A doula is a great resource to help you understand your options throughout the birthing process, and will help you communicate with your health care providers, so that you can focus on your inner strength and your baby.
3. She’ll help you postpartum, too! Many doulas offer postpartum care, as well, through placenta encapsulation, assistance with nursing, newborn care, and postpartum adjustment, as you and your family adjust to life with your newborn baby. This extra help can come in handy, perhaps especially when you also want beautiful photos of your newborn baby at home!
Choosing Your Doula
As I mentioned at the start of this article, I’ve had the honor of working beside many incredible doulas in Albuquerque that I would highly recommend. One I particularly connected with is Kim Racette, of Angel Touch Doula. Kim works with women who have a variety of birth plans, from hospital to birth center to home birth*. I found her calm, her support, and her knowledge of the birthing process to be so loving and fantastic. She is someone who truly listens and cares about her clients, their wishes, and their baby.
Kim is a part of Doulas of the Southwest, a group of independent, private doulas, who work together to educate expecting parents on perinatal topics and the role of a doula. Each doula I’ve worked with from Doulas of the Southwest has been so great, and they offer monthly mini-classes, which are just wonderful and so packed with helpful information.
Choosing to hire a doula is a wonderful way to start off your life with your newborn baby. She will support you through your baby’s birth in such a special way, and I can’t wait to hear your baby’s birth story during your newborn photography shoot with me.
Curious about why I love being a photographer? Check out this incredible post by Nashville Photographer/Educator, Tanya Moon, where she lists the reasons we photographers love our work in such a beautiful way.
*If a homebirth is of interest to you, I have worked with and highly recommend Albuquerque Homebirth Midwife, Jenny West. Her expertise in birth, empowering women, and care are phenomenal. I know first hand that she and doula Kim Racette are an amazing team.
SMA Photography with Stacey Adams specializes in newborn photography, maternity photography, baby photography, and family photography in the greater Albuquerque and Santa Fe areas of New Mexico. Her focus is on the beautiful, candid, in-between moments that make our lives richer. Find out more about scheduling a newborn photo session with SMA Photography.