Often, when a couple is considering hiring a Doula, the baby’s dad thinks, “Well, if we have a Doula, what will my role (as father and partner) be?”
Many fathers are eager to be involved during labor and birth. Others, no less loving and committed to their partner’s well-being find it difficult to navigate in unchartered waters. At times, a father may not understand a woman’s instinctive behavior during childbirth and may react anxiously to what a Doula knows to be the normal process of birth. He may witness his partner during the intensities of labor and become understandably distressed.
Doulas can actually help facilitate a father’s involvement in this special time. With Doula support, a father tends to stay more involved with their partner and share in the birth at a level he feels most comfortable. If he wants to provide physical comfort such as a back massage, a change of position, or help his partner to stay focused during contractions, the Doula can provide that guidance and make suggestions for what may work best.
A Doula can skillfully help the mother to cope with labor in her unique way, while taking some of the pressure off her partner. A partner’s presence is comforting and irreplaceable. The love he shares with the mother and his child and his need to nurture and protect his family are things only he can provide.
The combination of a Doula’s knowledge and experience with the partner’s loving touch or voice can make all the difference in the world – less stress on the partner and perfect loving support for the mother.
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