I have known Mandie from the time she was in high school!  Gosh, I can’t believe it has been that long.  We have lost touch a little since then, but then a few months ago we worked together and it was wonderful to catch up.

See Mandie is a doula.  

And so is Briana. 

I have done quite a few births but until earlier this year, I had never done a birth with a doula.  I tell you what…it was an amazing experience.

Mandie brought such wisdom, strength and a sense of calm to the birthing process.  She advised, took pressure off of the husband and gave great knowledge and insight to the situation.  Especially when it came down to the fact that the mom had to have a c-section.

I had in my mind that doulas can sometimes be kind of earthy and push the agenda of natural labor even to the point of exhaustion, but I couldn’t have been more wrong.  Mandie was great at advocating for the health and well-being of the mother and helping her navigate what was best for her body, whether it was an epidural or holding out in natural labor a little longer.

So when Mandie asked me to take some headshots for she and Briana, her business partner, I was happy to oblige.

They are wearing their Rebozos which is a large scarf that can be wrapped around the belly or back to relieve pressure on a birthing mama.  It has a ton of great uses and it definitely part of the doula’s bag of tricks. 

These two ladies are great at what they do and I think doulas are such an asset to the birthing process no matter if you take the natural route or if you choose to get an epidural.  They are vital and important and can make the process so much easier….especially for the dads.

Be on the lookout for these two ladies.  They are doing great things.  And they are having fun while they are doing it!

They are getting their website up and going (hence the headshots) but you can find them here on Facebook.  

They wanted a picture of what is called the “hot box” where during birth in the intensity of everything you put the Rebozo (scarf) over your head and create a solitary place where you can completely focus.  Kinda cool, right!? 

Check them out if you are having a baby anytime soon!

For more photos follow me on Instagram, Facebook or visit www.photolilo.com.