Some women feel that if they have a partner planning on being involved in the birth of their baby, the services of a Doula are unnecessary. The doula is sometimes thought to be needed only by women without partners.

Today, a father’s participation in birth preparation classes or his presence at prenatal visits and in the delivery suite is a familiar occurrence. Yet, we sometimes forget that the expectations of his role as a “labour coach” may be difficult to fulfill.
The father to be is expected among other things to become familiar with the process and language of birth, to understand medical procedures and hospital protocols and advocate for his partner in an environment he is usually unfamiliar with. The doulas' role can enhance the birthing experience for the mother and ease the father.

During pregnancy, a doula meets with the couple to discuss the couple’s priorities, any fears and concerns, and plan how they might best work together. Both partner’s thoughts and feelings are addressed. The father is given an opportunity to talk about his own concerns for the birth.

At the onset of labour, most doulas will come to the couple’s home and help them through the beginning of labour until the time arrives when they must leave for the hospital. The presence of the doula can be reassuring and help parents not leave too early to the hospital.

Upon departure, the doula can help the father prepare the mother, pack suitcases in the car, make phone calls, and any other final tasks to be done.

Once at the hospital, and as labour increases in intensity, the doulas' role with the father becomes significant. The deepening pain the mother experiences can spark new questions and feelings in the father. At times a father may not understand a woman’s instinctive behavior during childbirth and may react anxiously to what a doula knows to be the normal process of birth. Doulas' are experienced in childbirth and have a good understanding of what is normal in labour, as well as options to consider if their labour does not follow typical lines. A doula can provide the information to help parents make appropriate decisions and facilitate communication with care providers.

Some couples may feel that the presence of a doula might interfere with the unique intimacy between them. They may want privacy or the experience for themselves. In reality, when labour begins, many couples are greatly relieved to have someone experienced remain with them. The nurses and doctors have several patients to attend, therefore they are commonly in and out of the birthing rooms.
The doula will be in constant attention to the parents, and can readily assure them that their labour is progressing normally. If not, she can help give them better understanding of what is going on. She can explain certain medical procedures, or gather further information from the obstetrical staff.

Fathers often may feel uncertain about what to do. The doula can give suggestions and encourage the father to participate and be as involved and supportive as he can at his own comfort level. When a doula supports the couple throughout labour, the father is freed to reach to the mother in a more caring and nurturing way. The presence of the doula complements the father’s role and strengthens it.

A doula will also have some one-on-one contact with the mother, massaging her into relaxation, talking her softly though the pain, encouraging her to vary positions which can speed up labour and can lessen pain, and expressing support between contractions. The father and the doula may use their strength together to help the mother, especially during a long labour.

Upon delivery, Dad may want to observe his newborn first medical assessments. The doula will remain by the mother unless instructed otherwise. She may assist in breastfeeding if that is the mother’s choice and help make her comfortable.

During the postpartum visits, any questions the parents have about their birth will be discussed, and each will hopefully be left with the understanding and contentment about their child’s entrance into the world

Although I refer to the mother’s partner as the father this may not always be the case. It can be a sister, mother, friend etc…. Anyone the mother chooses to accompany her through labour and birth.
This explanation of the doula's role applies to any partner the mother chooses.