Today’s fathers participate in childbirth education classes and are generally more “hands on.”  Expectant fathers are no longer pacing the floors of a waiting area in the hospital. Now, fathers want, and are encouraged to share in the experience of going through labor with their partners.  During labor it may be difficult for the father to see his partner in pain.  Having a Doula helps the father to understand what the normal process of birth entails, The Doula can be reassuring and help the mother cope with labor pain while also helping to ease the father’s fears and concerns.  With a Doula, a father can share in the experience at a level he is most comfortable with. The Doula can help him to feel more relaxed and confident and may offer suggestions on how to provide additional physical comfort to the laboring mom.

A father’s support during childbirth is comforting and reassuring.  With her partner, and a Doula at the 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.  As one father pointed out “A husband can give a tremendous amount, but there’s no limit to the type of comforting, affection, and support a woman deserves and needs in labor, and she needs this not only from me, but from a caring, knowledgeable woman, too.” 

Below is a link to an article written by Lori that appeared in the Maryville Daily Times on Father's Day 2009.  

http://www.thedailytimes.com/article/20090621/WOMEN/306219995