A doula is a trained labor assistant who nurtures and assists the laboring and postpartum couple. A doula does not replace a woman’s partner but works with the whole family to promote the best birth experience possible. As one childbirth educator explains, “Asking your husband to be your sole guide through labor is like asking him to lead the way the on a climb of Mt. Everest.

The presence of the partner is very important and as doulas, we use our skills to complement those of the woman's partner and care provider, helping to ensure a positive birth memory. A quote from Peggy Vincent's book Baby Catcher: Chronicles of a Modern Midwife (Scribner, 2002) states it best: I remember my husband's comment after (our third child's) birth: "I was so glad all those women were there to take care of you.

Ultimately, you can’t make anyone but young kids do anything - persuasion is good, but sometimes that fails. If you can’t get them excited about the project, then focus on the things you are in control of - yourself, and the things you do in your family.

The word, "doula," comes from the Greek word for servant in an ancient Greek household. Among other things, this slave helped the lady of the house through her childbearing.

Your partner is the best person to provide emotional support during your labor, delivery, and afterwards. No one knows you better or cares more. However, in many cases, the partner may not have experience with newborn care, and is also managing challenges adapting to parenthood. A doula knows this and can help both parents relax during the early days and weeks. Parents who are expecting twins or do not have extended family to support them will find a doula invaluable.

However, if your partner/husband cannot attend all the classes and/or help you practice or attend the birth, your mother, sister or friend can also be your birthing companion. Whoever you choose (and we strongly recommend it's the father if at all possible, as it helps build a strong relationship with the child), they must attend all the classes and the birth.

Seeking assistance from shelters and lawyers is extremely unlikely to result in the deportation of your husband/partner. If you contact the police and your husband/partner is convicted of a crime, he may be deported, depending on his immigration status and the seriousness of the crime. It is important to remember that you must keep yourself and your children safe. It is your husband/partner that has put himself at risk by his actions.

Yes. We often have people call who are concerned about their Partners or just making initial enquiries. How we proceed from the point of your initial call depends on the circumstances. We are happy to discuss options in confidence and with no obligation, so feel free to give us a call [contact us]

It is not required. However, this is a decision that you need to make based on your own situation. You might choose one first because of the availability or location of training, or because one is more marketable than the other in your region. Another option would be to work on them at the same time. Some of the readings overlap, and if you are hired for postpartum, you might find it easier to be invited to attend the birth, and vice-versa.

No! The doula is there to support you and your partner. A good doula knows not to interrupt the vital interaction between a woman and her partner.

A Birth Help doula supports and encourages the partner and enhances his/her supportive style rather than replace him/her. Even well prepared partners are surprised by the amount of work involved and find themselves overwhelmed by the forces of labor, long hours, and the hospital environment. Many partners have reported that the presence of a doula gave them additional confidence to be more involved than they might otherwise have been.

Another person can get into the tub with you. If the father or anyone else gets in the tub, make sure they have showered and are not harboring any staff infections on their bodies. Make sure the tub is filled with less water, since the water level increases 1" to 2" for every person in the tub. Some women prefer that their partners support them from outside the tub, while others like their partner to join them in the water.

Yes. In fact for casts done in the last month of pregnancy or to mothers who have a history of fainting or other problems I actually insist upon it. Not only will it relax you more and make it more fun and special to have someone there to tend to your needs (such as pass you drinks, rub your neck and shoulders etc), but on rare occasions as with any other situation pregnant ladies have been known to feel faint and at those times it's reassuring to have someone with you.

This is the husbands' corner on the back porch. The men congregate here and talk about men things. Just be sure to pick up your husband on the way out. All husbands left after closing will be towed at wife's expense.

It allows a business to positively impact its own future. Economic stability for a community is directly related to the quality of education of its youth. One local bank states it is their obligation to help children understand that doing their best in school is their "job" right now. Teaching good work habits in school yields good work habits for life.

No, a doula is supportive to both the mother and her partner, and plays a crucial role in helping a partner become involved in the birth to the extent he/she feels comfortable. Read DONA International's Position Papers on Birth and Postpartum, and other evidence-based research.

The doula calms laboring couples, reassuring them that the pain of labor is normal and everything is progressing well. This support allows partners to feel at ease and more wholeheartedly encourage their loved one in labor. The doula will discuss the partner?s strengths and weaknesses during the prenatal visit. So at the birth she can guide partners to be involved in a way that is most comfortable i.e.

A Doula does not take the place of a partner who is able to be present for the birth. Instead she helps the partner by giving suggestions which might be useful at different stages of labor. She also fills in for the partner should he or she have to leave the birthing mothers side for and reason. She is an advocate for the birthing mother to help her achieve her birth plan goals.