Doula Difference - A Note to Fathers and Birth Partners

A Note to Fathers and Birth Partners

In the fifties, fathers were told to wait in the waiting room, pacing, and nervous while their wife was whisked off into the bowels of the hospital to give birth.

Today fathers are encouraged, and often expected to be a full participant in their new child’s birth. Sometimes this expectation places a great deal of stress on a father who is already overwhelmed with his wife’s mood swings, weekly doctor appointments, and the concern of caring for a brand new life.
A doula can help relieve some of the stress from this situation. Hospitals can be intimidating places, with bustling nurses, harried staff, and busy doctors who breeze in, spew a slew of numbers at you, and then disappear for hours. Your doula’s knowledge and experience can help you participate more comfortably in the birth. She can explain the numbers, and help you make sense of what is happening.

Her years of experience in childbirth helps guide you in providing comfort measures for your spouse as she goes through the awesome process of giving birth.
Ideally, you and your spouse will discuss your wishes for birth with your doula before you go to the hospital. Your emotional support and presence will comfort your spouse and help create wonderful memories of your birth experience.