The Doula and the Partner

Your partner is a vital part to a happy successful birth.  A Doula does not replace or upstage the partner, they guide and assist them to support the mother even more effectively.  The Doula's role allows the partner to concentrate on being present for the mother.

A Doula can never replace the partner during labor and delivery.  Only the partner has that special, unique, strong bond with the laboring mother.  The partner knows YOU and the Doula knows LABOR.  Just the presence of the partner in the room has a very calming effect to the mother.  The laboring mother knows that person is there and that they are surrounded by their love.

Partners are instrumental in physically supporting certain labor positions, comforting techniques and even holding the mother's hand.  The Doula's knows when to back off and let them labor together and when to step in and offer suggestions. 

Mother Teresa once said "You can do things I cannot, I can do things you cannot, together we can do great things."  This is a perfect example of the relationship between the Doula and the partner.  As your Doula, I spend considerable time before a mother goes into labor working with everyone so we are comfortable with one another and all share a wonderful connection through this journey.