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 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.