Dads & Doulas

A doula is not employed to take the fathers role or the role of the chosen birth companion.

The doula is present to provide unbiased, nurturing support and to help make the birthing experience a satisfying experience for the birthing woman and her partner.

Research and studies show that women who employ a doula to assist with their birth have shorter labours, less medical intervention, better bonding, healthier babies and are more satisfied with their birth experience.

With doula support, fathers tend to stay more involved and bond with their partner and newborn rather than withdrawing in times of stress and tension.

While many fathers are eager to be involved with birth and their newborn babies, some fathers find birth an intimidating experience. The father is expected to be familiar with how birth works from a physical and mental perspective, be able to negotiate the way for his birthing partner through the hospital system, understand the terminology, culture and environment of the hospital and in some cases, make decisions for his partners health and that of his unborn child.

Add to that the stress of an unpredictable birthing partner, the stress of seeing your partner in pain and lastly, post-natal hormones, even the most eager father could find this situation daunting.

A doula can provide information and support to help the couple make informed decisions on their care, help them negotiate their way in these unchartered waters and be a calming presence of reassurance and support.

Most fathers cannot be expected to suddenly understand a birthing womans instinctive behavior and often react anxiously or with distress to pain their partner is experiencing. This in turn impacts on the birth as the mother picks up these "vibes".

Doulas knows that the way a woman acts in birth is natural and normal and she can reassure and guide the mother through practiced relaxation techniques while she is supporting the father and reassuring him that this is normal and natural. This in turn will help him relax which will have a positive effect on the birthing mother.

A doulas support allows the father to be where the mother needs him the most and a doula will support him to help him gain the confidence he needs to be able to support his partner. The father should not have to be concerned with 'background' tasks if his partner needs him in front of her holding her hand. If the father is providing all the support, he will quickly become tired and the birth experience will be a frantic blur.

Birth is a highly emotional and spiritual event and an event that both mother and father will remember and cherish for life. If a woman is dissatisfied with the birth she has had, this can impact greatly on her in the post-natal period and beyond. Many women carry with them emotional baggage from their births for years following.