"Unless you deliver babies for a living, you don't have the experience. I'll give this male perspective. Would you prefer to have someone fix the brakes in your car after he's only had a weekend course and read a book, or would you prefer someone who's changed brakes many times before in a variety of different situations, on different makes and models of cars?" -Don, California
Less pressure...
With a Doula present, the couple will not need to worry about forgetting their birth plans or trying to remember the pros and cons of interventions. Also, for a father who wishes to take a backseat, a Doula allows him to relax and experience the birth without being actively involved. One father greatly appreciated that a doula was there to comfort his wife and help her cope. He says, "I am not good at that kind of thing, and it wouldn't have been natural for me to calm her very well. The Doula took the active role, and I observed. I appreciated that."
"When you think about all the money you'll spend on your baby in the first year, the cost of a Doula is really inconsequential." -Mark, Iowa
Guilt-free breaks...
Labor typically lasts 8 to 15 hours, depending on a variety of factors. It may last longer than 20 hours! A doula can remind dad to take breaks, get something to eat, or even take a nap. He won't have to worry about leaving his wife alone, as the Doula will be right by her side, a kind of 'tag team' birth partner.
"Birth is alot like football. You can practice and have a great game plan. Then when it came to game day, our Doula had lots of plays in her play book. As our labor coach she helped me call the plays, play by play,depending on the score and what was happening on the field!" -Mike,Arizona
Helping dads be helpful...
Sometimes dad wants to help but he's not sure where to begin. Or he may feel intimidated by the medical staff coming in and out of the room. The Doula can empower him to support his wife.
"It was nice to feel like I didn't have to know everything." -Ben, Ohio
Emotional Support...
Mother's aren't the only ones riding an emotional rollercoaster: Dads have feelings too! They may go from excited, to nervous, to worried, to confused, to joyful and relieved. When an emergency or unusual situation arises, the father may be left on the sidelines with little or no explanation from the medical staff as they attend to his wife and unborn child. A Doula can make sure he understands what the situation is, if there really is something to worry about, or if all is going well.
"Keep in mind that during childbirth, nobody but a Doula will be there to advocate on your behalf. The doctor or midwife will show up minutes before the actual birth, and they have their own agenda. You are completely overwhelmed and caught up in the situation. The doula is the only person who can keep a level head and be completely on your side." -Nick, New York
"Unless you deliver babies for a living, you don't have the experience. I'll give this male perspective. Would you prefer to have someone fix the brakes in your car after he's only had a weekend course and read a book, or would you prefer someone who's changed brakes many times before in a variety of different situations, on different makes and models of cars?"