The doula supports both parents in having a positive and memorable birth experience. It’s a common concern that the doula might replace the role of the partner. Quite to the contrary, it’s her role to support the partner so that he or she can be an empowered, calm and informed support to the laboring Mom. Women are at their most vulnerable point while laboring, and no one else can replace the loving, tender support that only a partner can provide.
And, while many partners are eager to be involved during labor and birth, they might be really anxious about how to best offer support. They might never have been through this before, but feel the innate desire to protect and support their partner. The doula’s skills and knowledge can help him/her feel more relaxed by providing guidance and suggestions as to how to best offer support. She can whisper in the partner’s ear—providing ideas based on her training and experience. And, if the labor is long, the doula is there to give the partner breaks so that Mom is continuously supported.
With a labor doula present, a father can share in the birth in at a level he and the mother feels most comfortable with. With a partner and a doula at birth a mother can have the best of both worlds: her partners loving care and attention and the doula's expertise and gidance in childbirth.
