What does a doula do? #2
Posted by Inexplicable Ways on July 22, 2010
Continuing my new series…
What does a doula do?
A doula makes the dad look good.
Here is the truth: Birth makes most dads a tad nervous. He wants to support her wishes, keep her safe, keep baby safe, not pass out, not have a baby in the car, say the right things, not get yelled at, have fresh breath at all times, look confident, and not melt into a pile of mush.
Dads really shouldn’t have to learn everything there is to know about birth in order to be Mr. Super Birth Partner. He already has all the tools to be this superhero. A doula can take the load off and let him do what he does best.
And what is that?
Love on the mama.
Inviting a doula into your birth scene frees up the dad to love on the mama. See, birth needs this one special hormone to get it going and keep it going. The Love Hormone, Oxytocin. Why yes, it does deserve to be in all-caps. An important hormone, this.
Oxytocin releases when you feel good. When you feel safe, warm, nourished, juicy. The saying goes “What got the baby in gets the baby out.” Go ahead ask. I know you want to. How many of my couples make out in labor? This doula’s lips are sealed. But it does work beautifully!
Dads do this best. I’m not going to smooch on my clients. And while I can hug and rub and spoon with them…I’d much prefer to guard their privacy and let the dad take this role. She probably would too!
My job is to quietly give them safe space to get cozy. Some clients want me to stay physically present and others want me to hang out downstairs or go for a walk. Some just want me available by phone until things really pick up. Often, for dads, the fact that I’m relaxed and in no hurry to call the midwife or go to the hospital frees them to relax.
During active labor, I might show the dad some ways to lay hands on the mama or hand him a warm rice sock for her back. Though I want to rush in and do it myself, it is best if I can stand back and let the couple do the work of birth.
If interventions of the doula sort are called for, then I step in. A dad shouldn’t have to worry about what to do with a cervical lip or a posterior presentation.
I’ve interviewed couples with concerns that the doula would “take the place of the dad.” Far from it. I give the dad peace of mind. I give him ideas or, better yet, make them look like his ideas. I give him bathroom and sleep breaks. I bring him dinner. I offer him gum. And I make him look like a rockstar.
I’ve never met a dad who said, “I really wish we wouldn’t have hired a doula.” Most become doula evangelists.
Katy S said
Kurt, in his best Rockstar impression, says, “Duuuude, Doulas Rock!!!” And I have to agree!
Jenny said
Yes, it was a night and day difference for Jordan with our two births. I’ve always wished that I could have had you there when I was in labor with Suzi just to tell my mom and Jordan it wasn’t time to rush off to the hospital yet. Other things, too, but mostly that. I think it’s especially important for hospital births where some birth attendants might tend toward overreacting. I didn’t have a doula with Ivey (thought about asking you, then found out about Cedar due the same time!) but Carey was calm, so Jordan and I were too. He said Ivey’s birth was much easier on him, and I could see it in his eyes.
Kathleen said
You probably know this, but K was a doula-convert after E’s birth. He now freely dispenses the sage advice that no couple should birth without one!
Melissa said
Josh agrees! He says next time we are calling you MUCH earlier
Linda L. Pendrys said
Goodness I laughed as I read through this
You are so funny…I have never had a doula – but I know one ! You have such a fun job…I have always loved praying women through labor and delivery! What a privilege to watch that first breath 
amazing…every one
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