Dad’s & Doula’s
Preparing for childbirth is much like preparing for a voyage around the world by sea.
If you have never taken a voyage by sea, and have no experience sailing, it would be nearly impossible to set out without an experienced guide and know that you are going to have a smooth voyage from beginning to end, that you are going to arrive at you intended destination point having met all of your goals for the planned journey.
A doula is your guide to understanding the birth process, knowing where you are in each moment, what to expect around the next corner, how to handle each wave as it comes crashing your way, how to be supportive, how to meet the changing needs of the laboring mother as the weather out to sea changes and intensifies.
A doula is the voyage guide … the lighthouse on the shore … the whisper through the winds of change
Mom + Baby + Dad = “The Birth Team”
A Doula = “The Nurturer of the Birthing Process”
Giving “The Birth Team” the physical, emotional and informational support needed along the way.
A Doula is not only support for the birthing mother, she is also support for the birthing father.
This is a journey that mom and dad are taking together with their baby.
A Doula’s role is to facilitate that journey and protect the bond between “The Birth Team” as they work together.
A Doula is not a replacement for a dad’s role in the birth process. Quite the opposite in fact.
- A Doula is an extra pair of hands in many laboring positions which require more than one support person attending to mom
- A Doula is an extra pair of ears in recognizing the changes in the progression of labor and keeping dad informed along the way
- A Doula is an extra pair of eyes in assuring proper advocacy of the desires and wishes of your birth plan, so dad can be completely focused on mom
- A Doula speaks the language of birth and keeps mom and dad well informed about the stages of progression and the changes in care that mom and baby will need throughout each stage
- A reduction in the amount of stress and confusion which can be caused by an often intimidating hospital room and staff who are not always available to answer immediate questions
- The Partner doesn’t have to worry about remembering everything learned in the childbirth class because the Doula is there to provide guidance, reassurance and provide information on the ‘normalcy’ of the birth process
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- With a Doula present, dad will have his emotional needs met (ie. stresses, worries, concerns, etc) so dad can remain positively focused on mom and his baby and his role in “The Birth Team”
- Having a Doula means dad can step away for a spell to use the restroom, have a light snack, take a brief power nap, or just catch his breath and have a moment to reflect, with peace of mind that mom and baby are being well supported in his absence
- Doula’s provide comfort to dad’s and help them remain calm and collected during a time that might otherwise have felt stressful
- Doula’s provide heavy doses of guidance & encouragement keeping “The Birth Team” feeling confident in themselves and the birth process
- A Doula can help you and your partner have a more intimate birth experience by helping to set the tone in a non-intimate setting, such as in a cold hospital room, and help to protect the intimacy desired in a hospital birth
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Testimonials From Dad’s
“For me specifically, Shelby’s vast knowledge of the labor process took all of the guesswork out of where we were in the progression and what we could expect at each stage. Moreover, she provided much needed direction to allow me to support my wife in ways I would not have imagined. Indeed, those moments we shared together are some of our favorite memories from the birth.” ~ Nathan B.
“We did lots of prepping for the big day. We took the classes and read the books, but speaking as the dad, there’s no substitute for having someone there who’s been through it before and knows the tricks of the trade” … … … “Shelby was an extra pair of hands when we needed it, she’d help us with food and water when we were too busy, she’d spell me when I got tired and she was always there with an encouraging word. We feel blessed that she was available to help welcome our son into the world.” ~ Justin C.
