I love this photo by TARA Photography. I love how it highlights one of my favorite parts of my work as a postpartum doula - getting mom a nap!

A picture is worth a thousand words and that goes double if you’re a postpartum doula.

Since so many people still don’t know about the role of the postpartum doula, sharing pictures about our work can be a great way to build awareness in your community.

Hiring a photographer (maybe get a discount from a local maternity photographer in exchange for referring your doula clients their way?) or having a friend take some pictures on their phone of you as a postpartum doula is a great way to promote your postpartum doula business. You can use the photos on your website and in social media posts.

Photos are a great way to showcase your services, convey your personality and connect with potential clients!

When I first started my doula business, I only had a few headshots and relied on stock photos for my website and social media. (Side note: when you join My Doula Village right now, you get a $100 credit to use on gorgeous stock doula photography at Lem and June Collections)

PHOTO by Lem and June Collections. Join My Doula Village right now, you get a $100 credit to use on stock doula photos at Lem and June Collections.

But after six or seven years, I decided to hire a local birth & maternity photographer who I loved to take some “postpartum doula action shots”. My sister-in-law had just had a baby and was (thankfully!) willing to come over and be my model.

“PRO TIP: Do you have a client who would be willing to be your model (and sign a photo release) in exchange for some doula support?”

— Doula Darcy

I booked my favorite photographer: TARA Photography for two hours and it was awesome! Follow her on Instagram for sweet newborn photos and amazing birth photography.

Not ready to book your own professional photo shoot yet? You can also purchase Tara’s package of stock photos for postpartum doulas here.

Here’s some of the photos from my photoshoot that day. All photos by TARA Photography.

Notice how I tried to showcase the various roles of the postpartum doula: education, nurturing care and light household chores.

Take some pictures that show you talking and answering questions with parents. P.S. How cute is my nephew???

A picture like this can showcase how you teach parents swaddling techniques. But you can do the same with a baby bath, tummy time, etc.

Even if you don’t have a mother & baby to model for you, you can snap photos of yourself folding baby laundry in your own home!

Here’s some more tips:

Photo shoots are better when you have a list of the pictures that you want. This helps save time when you’re with your photographer and makes sure you don’t forget anything.
In addition to photos like these, take some formal and casual headshots as well
Change your clothes to give the pictures some variety
Wear plain clothes that won’t be distracting (no stripes or patterns or fashions that will go out of style. I’ve been using these same photos since 2018!)
Move around. The photos will look more realistic if you aren’t posing.

You’ll want to have lots of pictures of you “in action”. Think of the things you do when you’re in a new family’s home.

Ideas:

Talking with a new parent

Washing dishes

Holding baby

Loading the dishwasher

Folding laundry

Teaching newborn care