When considering a birth photographer, many expectant parents think about hiring a doulatog. A doulatog is someone who serves both as a doula and a photographer in the birth space. While this option offers convenience (and sometimes cost savings), it’s important to explore the benefits and potential challenges involved. (What can I say? I’m a doula, informed consent is my jam 😉)

Here’s a closer look at the pros and cons of hiring a doulatog, along with reasons why choosing separate professionals might be a better fit for you.

Pros of Hiring a Doulatog

1. Convenient and cost-effective

One of the main reasons people look to hire a doulatog is the convenience it offers. You get both labor support and photography in one package which can feel more affordable than hiring two separate professionals and can make your planning process easier. It also reduces the need to coordinate with multiple birth team members.

2. Fewer people at your birth

A doulatog can help keep the number of people attending your birth to a minimum, making the environment feel more intimate and less crowded.

3. Comprehensive support

A doulatog provides both emotional and physical support during labor while photographing moments throughout your labor and delivery. This dual role allows you to feel supported and cared for while also having someone document the experience.

4. Builds a stronger relationship

Having a single professional present during labor can foster a deeper connection. By working with them throughout your pregnancy, you’ll feel more comfortable which can lead to a more relaxed and empowering birth experience. 

Cons of Hiring a Doulatog

1. Divided attention

While having one person provide both labor support and photography sounds convenient, it can be challenging to truly excel in both at the same time. Contrary to what we all want to believe, humans tend to be terrible multitaskers. Supporting a birthing person and capturing meaningful moments require different skills and focus, and no matter how skilled a doulatog is, some moments may not get the attention they deserve — or could be missed altogether.

2. Support will always come first

During the most intense moments of labor, your doulatog’s priority will always be providing emotional and physical support. While they’ll do their best to document your experience, photography will take a backseat when you need hands-on care. This can result in gaps in coverage or missing key moments you may have wanted captured.

3. Photography skills vary

Making photos isn’t just about clicking the shutter — it requires an eye for storytelling, observation of connections, anticipation of moments, and thoughtful composition. If a doulatog’s primary training is in labor support rather than photography, their images may not meet your expectations. If professional-quality birth photos are important to you, hiring a dedicated birth photographer ensures your memories are preserved with the style and attention to detail you’re looking for.

4. Limited perspective

A birth photographer has the freedom to move around the room, find creative angles, and focus on capturing the details that make your birth story unique. A doulatog, on the other hand, is often stationed close to you, providing hands-on support. This can limit their ability to document the full picture of your birth, resulting in fewer images and less variety in what’s captured.

5. Missed backup options

When hiring a dedicated doula or birth photographer, you typically have a backup in case of emergencies or scheduling conflicts. However, because doulatogs combine both roles and are less common, many (not all) work solo without the same backup structure in place. This means if your doulatog is unable to attend your birth for any reason, you could be left without either the labor support or the photography you were counting on.

The Choice is Yours

While hiring a doulatog may seem like a cost-effective and convenient option, investing in separate professionals — a dedicated doula for support and a skilled photographer for documentation — can enhance your overall birth experience. Each expert can focus entirely on their role, ensuring you receive the highest level of care. A doula can be fully present for your physical and emotional needs, while a birth photographer can capture every meaningful moment without distraction. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your vision for your birth experience, the level of support you want, and what feels right for your family and budget.