Most American babies are born in the Fall (September 16th, to be exact) which means two things: nine months ago, lotsa people were getting busy—thank you, freezing cold, can’t-do-anything-else wintertime—and right about now, mamas-to-be are deep into the planning of how the big day will go down which, for more women than ever, includes a doula. The increasing popularity dispels the notion that a doula’s a hippie-dippie, bougie luxury. Why a doula in the first place? As the Times wrote last year, they offer the familiarity and comfort of a family member without any fraught emotions. They’re also down to join for doctor’s appointments. It’s like a life coach for the unborn baby, in a way.
So, who’s leading the charge? These five women at the forefront of the movement of about 400 doulas nationwide. Get to know them below, and see candid photos of what being a doula’s actually about. If you’re into that.
When Carriage House Birth was founded in 2011, it was the first collective of its kind in Brooklyn: 3 women came together to provide a village of support to local women who want but may not have that. It’s almost magical to imagine: a group of empowered women under one roof—literally a cozy home in Williamsburg, Brooklyn—working in celebration of the madness that is bringing a new human into the world.
The most “doula” photo on the feed: assume any position necessary.
Lindsey is the director of Carriage House but deserves her own mention. She’s attended over 200 births (a LOT, considering some can last up to 36 hours) and she’s a mom of seven herself. Twins, twice. Her mantra: embrace chaos.
The most “doula” photo on the feed: photograph your own birth.
The pictures from photographer Monet’s first daughter’s birth in 2013 inspired her to turn her lens on other mothers. She quickly built up a network of doulas, midwives and other photographers and has become known as the birth photographer to hire (if you want one) in the mountain states. Her blog is a great behind-the-scenes look the nuances of working in such sensitive moments.
The most “doula” photo on the feed: don’t be afraid to get right up in there.
Services an expectant mother might call Tiff Delancy for: aromatherapy, hypnotism, and, obviously, support during the birth. At OC Doula Collective, Tiff’s a birth doula, which means she’s with her clients through the birth before passing the torch to a postpartum doula. Some do both, some do what they feel most close to. Looking at Tiff’s photos with her own kids, captured with immense love by her photographer husband (hello, gorgeous feed), it’s obvious why she’s great at prepping expectant mothers.
The most “doula” photo on the feed: while this sweet shot doesn’t quite count as Tiff at work, it does show her gentle, natural approach to parenthood.
Location: Orange County, CA
Dori Varga built Tribe de Mama as a digital magazine, but it’s become something of a sisterhood collective, offering courses, connections to doulas, and self-care retreats. And last Saturday, she brought the first print issue, Volume 9, to life.
The most “doula” photo on the feed: a baby born entirely in the sac—a 1 in 80,000 miracle.