April and Aran
One of my most important jobs as a doula is to support dads and or birth partners during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. During birth, my role for dads is vital! I make sure to remind them to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom, take a walk etc. It can come as such a relief to dads, because during the birthing time they tend to forget about themselves. I also take time to reassure dad that everything is going normal and calmly educate him about the birth process and possible hospital procedures. Moms and their partners can be so psychically linked that if the partner is uncomfortable the mother may pick up on this and become unable to relax, loosen up and surrender to the experience herself. I make it a top priority to take care of dads because it will inevitably support the mother.
Dads and Doulas make a great team! One should not replace the other!