Doulas for Dads: Helping Your Birth Partner Help You
When we think about birth support, the spotlight often lands on the birther – but what about their partner? Often, partners deeply want to be there, to support and nurture, but they’re unsure how to do so in a way that feels meaningful. That’s where doulas step in – not just as a guide for the birther but as a steady, calming presence for partners too.
At MAIA House, our doulas don’t just assist during labor. They empower partners with practical tools and emotional insights, ensuring that the birthing journey feels collaborative, connected, and uniquely yours.
“On d-day, Gem and team were superb in providing support from the first moment I had a contraction. My husband also relied on them to understand how best to support me in labour. We honestly are so thankful that she was by our side the entire time and for allowing us to have a successful and magical water birth experience, and for the safe and healthy arrival of our baby boy.”
A Doula for the Whole Team
The role of a doula is sometimes misunderstood as solely birther-focused. In truth, doulas work to hold space for the entire birth team, fostering confidence in partners so they can step into their role with clarity and calm.
In fact, research has shown that the most positive birth experiences for fathers occurred when they had continuous support from a doula or midwife. In a study by McGrath and Kennell,1 an overwhelming 93% of women and their partners rated their experience with a doula as very positive, while the remaining 7% still found it positive.
But why does doula support matter so much for partners?
Guidance and confidence: Studies have shown that with a doula or midwife present, partners feel more equipped to support their loved one during labor. Doulas explain what’s happening, answer questions, and guide partners in ways that feel effective and empowering.2
Navigating emotions: Birth can be emotionally intense, even for partners. Having a doula allows partners to take brief moments to recharge without feeling like they’re abandoning the birther. This balance helps them remain engaged and present throughout the experience.
Guiding supportive actions: Many partners want to help but aren’t sure how – Should I hold their hand? Offer water? Say something? A doula helps partners tune in and respond to the birther’s needs, creating a deeper sense of connection during labor.
Advocacy skills: Doulas can educate partners on how to advocate for the birthing person’s needs and wishes – an invaluable skill in the sometimes overwhelming hospital environment.
“We had a great experience with Alexia and Gem for the birth of our second child. The pre-natal courses and appointments helped us to feel very prepared so that when the big day came, we weren’t nervous or worried. We felt confident and in control. They really listened to our birth preferences and helped to make them a reality! My favorite part is how they encourage the participation of the birth partner (my husband) so that we were a team and a family throughout the birthing process.”
Together in Birth: A Program Tailored for You
At MAIA House, our Together in Birth prenatal program is the only one in Singapore designed to prepare both birthers and their partners for labor as a shared experience. Think of it as a blueprint for teamwork during birth.
In this signature program, you’ll:
Learn practical techniques like massage, breathing, and positioning to ease labor together.
Build emotional resilience as a couple, with strategies to stay present and connected.
Gain insights into what to expect and how to navigate unexpected changes in your birth plan.
Through personalized guidance and hands-on activities, this program ensures that both of you feel prepared and supported every step of the way.
Your Journey, Your Team
“I appreciated her efforts to help my wife and I work as a team to prepare for and manage the delivery - I certainly was better prepared to support my wife based on Gem’s guidance... Gem never once imposed her own priorities or pushed us in a direction that wasn’t right for us. She took an active role when needed, stepped back to let my wife and I have our special moments, and struck that balance exactly right. She also worked in a few personal touches throughout, some big and some small, that we really appreciated it.”
When partners feel supported, the whole experience changes—for the better. Whether it’s your first birth or your fourth, having a doula by your side helps transform what might feel overwhelming into something deeply empowering and unforgettable.
Ready to take the next step? Book a free 30-minute consultation with a MAIA House doula to explore how we can support you. Or, sign up for our Together in Birth program, and let us help you step into this journey as a team, prepared and connected.
Because birth isn’t just about welcoming a baby – it’s about building a family together. Let us help you both.
Ready to begin? Schedule a 30-minute discovery call with one of our MAIA House doulas here. Let’s explore how we can support your journey.
1 McGrath SK, Kennell JH. A randomized controlled trial of continuous labor support for middle-class couples: effect on cesarean delivery rates. Birth. 2008 Jun;35(2):92-7. doi: 10.1111/j.1523-536X.2008.00221.x. PMID: 18507579.
2 Johansson M, Fenwick J, Premberg A. A meta-synthesis of fathers' experiences of their partner's labour and the birth of their baby. Midwifery. 2015 Jan;31(1):9-18. doi: 10.1016/j.midw.2014.05.005. Epub 2014 May 14. PMID: 24906562.
