Myths about Dads and Doulas*
Myth #1: If the partner is there, the doula is redundant.
Truth: The doula may be the only other person, besides dad, at the labor that is there solely for the emotional well-being of mom. The doula has no other patients or clients to take care of and is there the entire time.
Myth #2: The doula takes over and replaces dad.
Truth: The doula is another part of the birth team. The doula can actually help bring the parents to be closer by making sure dad is taken care of as well. The doula allows for dad to participate at his comfort level. The doula fills in and allows the dad to participate as he wishes without ever leaving mom’s needs unmet.
Myth #3: The doula has her own agenda when it comes to the birth.
Truth: The doulas only agenda is to make sure that the couple’s birth plan is followed as much as possible. The doula may actually be able to think more about the birth plan than the couple when labor becomes intense.
*Adapted from Penny Simkin’s “The Doula and the Partner: How They Work Together to Help the Birthing Woman”
Myth #1: If the partner is there, the doula is redundant.
Truth: The doula may be the only other person, besides dad, at the labor that is there solely for the emotional well-being of mom. The doula has no other patients or clients to take care of and is there the entire time.
Myth #2: The doula takes over and replaces dad.
Truth: The doula is another part of the birth team. The doula can actually help bring the parents to be closer by making sure dad is taken care of as well. The doula allows for dad to participate at his comfort level. The doula fills in and allows the dad to participate as he wishes without ever leaving mom’s needs unmet.
Myth #3: The doula has her own agenda when it comes to the birth.
Truth: The doulas only agenda is to make sure that the couple’s birth plan is followed as much as possible. The doula may actually be able to think more about the birth plan than the couple when labor becomes intense.
*Adapted from Penny Simkin’s “The Doula and the Partner: How They Work Together to Help the Birthing Woman”