How do doulas support the birth partner?

Although a Doula is there to support the pregnant and birthing woman primarily, she is also there to support the birth partner. This is just as much of a transformational time for them as well.

In antenatal sessions, we discuss any fears or concerns they may have about labour and birth, give education on the stages of labour so they know what to expect, give practical tools they can use to help comfort the mother, and also discuss how to prepare and support the mother in postpartum.

It can be a confronting and overwhelming time for birth partners if they aren’t sure what to expect, knowing if how the mother is behaving is normal or not, and unsure how to help. They can feel out of depth and often need someone to support them through the process, and give them the reassurance and encouragement needed during this time.

It also means if they need to step away for a minute there is still another pair of helping hands to work alongside the mother and cater to her needs. Post-birth the birth partner can have skin-to-skin with the baby while the Doula can help Mum with showering and dressing.

Do you think your partner could/ would benefit from having more support in the birth space?