Dads

A Pampered Beginning
Birth and Postpartum Doula Services

What about Dad?

A Doula is part of the birth team – she is not there to replace the father. A
professional labor coach is just that, someone trained to assist a laboring
woman. Long after she's been forgotten mom will never forget the tenderness
dad showed her during labor.

The Doula is there to support the parents. Just as she empowers the mother,
she also empowers the father. As eager as the father-to-be is to help his wife,
he may be unsure of where to begin. It’s not uncommon for a dad to feel a bit
intimidated by all the comings and goings of the medical staff, while other’s
find they aren’t prepared to see the woman they love in pain as her labor
progresses.

A father can benefit from the Doula as she reassures him, answering any non-
medical questions he may have. She will encourage him to participate in the
labor and birth to the level he feels comfortable. With the doula there, he is
free to grab a bite to eat or take a short nap if the labor is particularly long. He
also doesn’t need to worry about whether they’re sticking to the birth plan, or
the pros and cons of interventions. He can relax knowing the doula is
overseeing these things. The more relaxed the father is, the better prepared
he is to support his wife.

And remember - a Doula provides the practical and emotional support
... Dad provides the love!

'The love he shares with
the mother and his child,
his needs to nurture and
protect his family are
priceless gifts that only
he can provide.' ~ DONA

Suggested Reading:
The Birth Partner
by Penny Simkin

Did you know ...

It's reported that 70% of
Mothers who had a doula
felt more satisfied with
their relationship six weeks
postpartum?
(Klaus & Kennell 1997)

DONA International on
Dads and Doulas: Key
Players on Mother's Labor
Support Team

With her partner and a
doula at birth a mother can
have the best of both
worlds: her partner’s loving
care and attention and the
doula's expertise and
guidance in childbirth. ~DONA