Fathers and Doulas

Let me say straight out of the gate: Doulas do not replace spouses.

For most couples, this is the first time they are in a hospital or a birthing center. It is not something they face everyday: the machines, the sounds, the emotions. A doula is more accustomed to labor and birth sessions. Even if she has not given birth herself, she has generally attended more births than the pregnant couple.

Studies were conducted in hospitals, where fathers' and doulas' behaviors were observed during early and late labor. Fathers were noted to be in the room during early labor (less than seven centimeters) 78% of the time and 95% of the time during late labor (more than seven centimeters). During all stages of labor doulas were in the room 100% of the time. Throughout early and late labor, doulas remained physically closer to the mother than the fathers. Fathers also seem to have a tendency to watch the monitors more than their partner. I've heard some say (even my own husband) "Whoa, get ready, here come a big contraction!"

Does this demonize fathers and call for them to be thrown out of delivery rooms? Of course not. The father is just wired differently. He sees his wife in pain and wants to fix it. That is natural and normal. This makes them want to ask every nurse and doctor who comes into the room when is it too late to get an epidural. Most fathers are not trained in the medical terminology, the stages of the birth process and what all those beeps and alarms are in the room.

With doula support, fathers or partners tend to stay more involved with the birthing mother rather than withdraw in times of stress. Having someone "on your side" (not that the medical staff is against you), exclusively attending to the family is of great help to all of the growing family's needs.

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