Recommended Reading

Simkin, Penny. The Birth Parter: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth.

Sears, Dr. William. The Birth Book.

Dear Dad,

It is important to me to hear not only from the mother but also from you about fears, concerns and expectations surrounding the birth. Though my primary focus is tending to the mother, it is very important to me that this birth experience be as amazing for you as it is for her.

Dads and Doulas

As a doula, a mother, and a wife I am very passionate about the fathers role at birth. A doula should never take the place of the father or make Dad feel less important in any way. In addition to helping the mother, a doula can help the father in many ways:

• She can guide you in applying what you learned in childbirth class.
• She can take over for you so that you can get a meal, a quick nap or make a few phone calls. Or she can make those phone calls for you.
• She can bring the mother beverages, hot packs, or ice, so that you do not have to leave her side to do so.
• She can help you understand what the mother might be feeling as well as interpret the signs of labor progress to you.
• She can help you to participate more comfortably if you are unsure of how to help.
• She can teach you massage and relaxation techniques and trade off implementing them in a long and difficult labor.
• She can take photos of the final moments of the birth so you can stay connected and not miss out on the most intimate moments of your childs birth.

The father can benefit greatly from the support of a doula. The emotional roller coaster of labor is not the mothers alone. The father will also experience feelings of excitement, worry, joy, relief, and confusion among others. A doula can help the father in taking away the pressure of being the "coach" leaving him free to experience the intimate, amazing wonder that is the birth of a new child.