Birth Partners
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"While the doula probably knows more than the partner about birth and maternity care, the partner knows more about the woman's personality, likes, dislikes and needs. Moreover, he loves the woman more than anyone else there. The combination of partner and doula, along with a caring staff gives the woman the best chance of an optimal outcome." |
Birth partners are an integral part of the birth experience. A doula does not replace the love and caring that the birth partner provides during this special time. However, a doula can give the birth partner helpful ideas about what comfort measures may work best during the different parts of labor and birth. A doula’s specialized knowledge and experience can help the birth partner participate within his/her comfort level. In this way, the doula and birth partner work together as the ideal support team.
Some of the most touching birth and labor moments are when the birth partners are encouraging and supporting the mothers, whether initiated on their own, or through suggestion and guidance. It is so beautiful to see their love shining throughout this amazing event, how empowered the birth partner is by the support they give the mother, and the love and adoration they show toward mama once the baby is born! When birth partners are supported by a doula, they say they feel more emotionally and physically involved with the birth of their child, rather than feeling left out.
Often times, labor and birth can be an anxious, and sometimes scary, time for birth partners. It can be challenging for partners to remain objective when they are so emotionally involved. Doulas can help relieve any panic and anxiety, so the birth partner can relax and help the laboring mother without feeling the pressure of having to know what to do through each stage of labor on their own. Having a doula enables the birth partner to feel calmer, more confident and better able to provide the support the mother needs.
Our job is to compliment and strengthen the partner’s role by offering suggestions and encouraging them to participate in ways that feel both comfortable to them, and comforting for the mother. DONA says it succinctly, "With her partner and a doula at birth, a mother can have the best of both worlds; her partner’s loving care and attention, and the doula’s expertise and guidance in childbirth.” Read more in Dads and Doulas: Key Players on Mother’s Labor Support Team and The Doula and the Partner: How They Work Together to Help the Birthing Woman. These are both helpful essays that may help couples understand the role that we provide as their doula.
Some of the most touching birth and labor moments are when the birth partners are encouraging and supporting the mothers, whether initiated on their own, or through suggestion and guidance. It is so beautiful to see their love shining throughout this amazing event, how empowered the birth partner is by the support they give the mother, and the love and adoration they show toward mama once the baby is born! When birth partners are supported by a doula, they say they feel more emotionally and physically involved with the birth of their child, rather than feeling left out.
Often times, labor and birth can be an anxious, and sometimes scary, time for birth partners. It can be challenging for partners to remain objective when they are so emotionally involved. Doulas can help relieve any panic and anxiety, so the birth partner can relax and help the laboring mother without feeling the pressure of having to know what to do through each stage of labor on their own. Having a doula enables the birth partner to feel calmer, more confident and better able to provide the support the mother needs.
Our job is to compliment and strengthen the partner’s role by offering suggestions and encouraging them to participate in ways that feel both comfortable to them, and comforting for the mother. DONA says it succinctly, "With her partner and a doula at birth, a mother can have the best of both worlds; her partner’s loving care and attention, and the doula’s expertise and guidance in childbirth.” Read more in Dads and Doulas: Key Players on Mother’s Labor Support Team and The Doula and the Partner: How They Work Together to Help the Birthing Woman. These are both helpful essays that may help couples understand the role that we provide as their doula.
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