This one thinks so! The writer of a blog posting titled, “5 Reasons Dads Should Demand a Doula” starts off in a way that I imagine many first-time dads and partners might feel: why does my wife want a doula when she has me? This is an understandable concern on the part of dads and partners.

What most find out after laboring with a doula is this: a doula can actually help bring the two of you closer together by showing you the most effective ways to do labor massage, how to work together best during contractions, and by simply allowing you to be her love and biggest emotional supporter. Not to mention, if it’s a long labor, a doula can make sure dads/partners get a break and a bite to eat. Don’t underestimate the need to have someone help take care of you, too, during labor!

I’ve heard one doula in town say, “You wouldn’t go out and coach the Super Bowl after watching a few lessons about how to do it. The same applies to birth.” That’s right, doulas allow dads to be as involved as they want to be during their child’s birth, but doulas also take some of the pressure off to “know everything about birth.”

Parents out there— if you used a doula, what do you think was the biggest benefit to the dad/partner? Or Moms, did having a doula there help YOU feel better knowing that your partner was well-supported, too? We’d love to hear your thoughts on this.

Love,

Alisa, Sarah & the women of Blooma