A doula is a trained professional who offers emotional and physical support during labor, providing comfort measures and understanding for the birthing mama.  Their job is to support mom, partner, and labor team, not replace them.

Doulas provide fathers with continuous physical and emotional support, practical tools for the labor and delivery process, and expert knowledge to help them feel confident and empowered to be active partners. By taking on tasks like comfort measures and providing reassurance, doulas allow dads to focus on emotional support for their partners and witness the birth of their child without the overwhelming pressure of being the sole expert. This collaborative approach enhances the entire family's experience, improves communication, and can even contribute to better postpartum outcomes and a stronger connection for the new parents. 

How Doulas Support Fathers:

• Practical Support and Guidance:Doulas offer instruction on how to best support their partners during labor, including comfort techniques, positioning, and pain management strategies. 
• Emotional and Informational Support:They provide a calming presence, reassurance, and a wealth of knowledge about the childbirth process, which can alleviate anxiety for fathers. 
• Confidence and Empowerment:A doula can empower fathers to be more involved and confident in their role, rather than feeling like an auxiliary player in the birthing room. 
• Focus on Connection:By helping with practical tasks and offering continuous support, the doula allows the father to focus on bonding with his partner and the baby. 
• Postpartum Support:A doula can also provide valuable instruction and role-modeling for fathers in the postpartum period, helping them adjust, bond with their baby, and strengthen their partnership. 
• Bridge the Gaps:Doulas ensure continuous support and calm, even when the father is unable to be present for extended periods due to work or other obligations. 

Why Dads Value Doulas:

• Reduces Pressure:Fathers are often overwhelmed by the intensity of labor and the responsibility of supporting their partner. A doula provides a knowledgeable, continuous source of support, removing the burden of being the sole expert. 
• Increases Participation:Doulas help fathers feel included and active, ensuring they are not pushed to the side during a crucial family event. 
• Enhances the Relationship:Working with a doula allows parents to function as a team, strengthening their relationship and fostering a great start to parenthood. 
• Provides a Safety Net:For dads who may be hesitant or unsure how to help, a doula provides concrete, actionable ways to be a valuable support. 

I am certified through Stillbirthday.com to offer compassionate labor support during the delivery of a baby at any gestation and with any outcome.  Women need the love and nurturing of a doula during any kind of labor.

stillbirthday.com

Breastfeeding support can benefit new mothers by providing expert guidance on latching, milk supply, and breastfeeding positions, ensuring a successful and fulfilling breastfeeding experience for both mama and baby.  What is a very natural thing can often be difficult, with extra help, most women can expect to successsfully breastfeed their babies.

Numerous studies have documented the benefits of having a doula present during labor.  A recent Cochrane Review, Continuous Support for Women During Childbirth, showed a very high number of positive birth outcomes when a doula was present.  With their support, women were less likely to have pain-relief medications administered and less likely to have a cesarean birth.  Women also reported having a more positive childbirth experience. 1.

Other studies have shown that having a doula as a member of the birth team decreases the overall cesarean rate by 50%, the length of labor by 25%, the use of oxytocin by 40%, and requests for epidural by 60%. 2.

1. https://nationalpartnership.org/childbirthconnection/

2. https://americanpregnancy.org/