Congratulations! You are going to be at the birth of a baby!   Whether this is your baby, or you have been invited by the mom-to-be to be her coach/partner - you have a great role to play!  You're probably really excited (maybe a little nervous?) and are wondering if you will remember everything that you learned in childbirth class (if you went!) when the big day comes!  That's entirely normal to feel that way, and maybe some of your concern comes from wondering why (if you will be there) a Doula is coming too?!

As Doulas, we KNOW the special role dads/partners have during the birth, and we want to ensure you that WE are there to support you, encourage you, and help guide you so that together, we can help mom have the birth she envisions for herself and the baby.  Sometimes, there is concern about feeling left out or forgotten if a Doula is there.... PLEASE take heart in knowing that we will be working as a TEAM - and you and mom will actually help guide the Doula's role as she interacts with you, and you form labor-coping patterns together. 

Maybe you are coming to the birth because you want to be there for support, but feel squeamish about the "process" of the birth?  That's fine - a Doula can help you work within your comfort zone, while being there emotionally for mom.  There are plenty of things (away from the "business-end" of things...) that you can do - and a Doula will help you - and mom will LOVE that you were there!

Maybe you are the kind of person who wants to be really involved - you envision cord-cutting and maybe have dreams of actually delivering the baby?  That's great too - a Doula can help you participate more, and make sure you have a front-row seat to all the action.  Together, you and the Doula will provide lots of physical and emotional support for mom.

Maybe you fall somewhere in the middle of these two extremes or are really counting on the Doula to help you.  Rest assured, that your Doula will do everything in her power to create a great birth memory for YOU TOO!