6 Reasons Your Partner DOESN'T Replace A Doula

We love your partners! They are VERY important in your birth, but your partner can't replace a doula. If you know your partner you likely have an idea of how they are going to act or provide support in labor. For example, how does your partner care for you while you are sick? Does your partner know your love language, do you know theirs? Is this your second or third baby, how did your partner show up during your first or second labor?

The bottom line is that your partner wasn't created to know the ins and outs of labor, they are there to love you and hold your hand or take turns doing hip squeezes. Here are some ways a doula is different and how we can help not just you but also your partner in labor.

1. Doulas know the ins and outs of labor

Doulas have childbirth knowledge and experience supporting a variety of births. We know the stages of labor in and out and what to expect at each one and how to help. We don't have to recall from a childbirth education class we took a few months ago to help, we can get your partner involved and remind them what stage we are in and what to expect. Sometimes reminding partners that "this is normal" is all they need to feel a bit more at ease.

2. Partners and doulas can take turns

If you are in labor and you love counter pressure or the infamous hip squeeze then let me tell you, that takes some muscle power so having someone to take turns with is always welcomed.