Will the doula take over my role?  Will I be replaced?

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 I hear these questions frequently from partners who are concerned that hiring a doula will diminish their role during the birthing process.  Let me help calm those fears and eliminate those concerns! You are THE most important asset your partner has! With a doula by your side, you are freed to participate at YOUR comfort level.  I once had a dad tell me that he wouldn’t be in the birth room if his partner wasn’t making him.  He sat at the head of the bed and held his wife’s hand as he stared at the wall.  That was the only way for him to participate, but still be comfortable (and it worked for that couple).  On the other hand, there are partners who want to participate in “everything”.  I’ve even seen several dads “catch” their babies!  There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to supporting your partner.  I find that, most of the time, partners want to be involved but are unsure of how to help or what to do.  That’s why you hire a doula! 

Katie helped me feel confident and never over-stepped. We were a team!
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- CHRIS

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​​Lindsay Reed Photography

Let’s face it, most of us have not seen a birth until the birth of our first child!  As one partner said...

"I was overwhelmed with trying to learn all that there is to learn about labor and how to best support my wife. Hypnobabies, Pitocin, Epidurals, C-Sections, Effaced, Ring of Fire... would I really be able to remember everything in the heat of the moment!? The thought of Katie being there took a huge load off my shoulders. With Katie there, I was able to focus and be present with my wife". - Randy

I often tell partners that, as I doula, my job is to make you look good! Think of a doula as your “cheat sheet”.  No longer do you have bear the weight of remembering it all!  You are free to relax and be present in the moment with your partner and with your baby.

Birth is unpredictable.  There is no way of knowing how long labor will last or what other personal circumstances may be going on at the time of birth.  Another partner wrote, 

“Katie was such a God-send for the home birth of our beautiful baby girl.  I can attest to the fact that having a doula present allowed me to be present with my wife during labor.   And our labor was particularly long.... 48 hours, so it was wonderful to have her support, advice, and tips that were extremely helpful during the marathon.  Katie allowed me to take the necessary breaks I needed to take care of myself and even personal matters going on at the time of our birth.   She has a beautiful heart and wonderful, patient temperament.  From the daddy's perspective, I couldn't recommend her more!”   - Joe

With a doula, the birthing person will always have someone there giving support.  You can eat, use the bathroom, or make those important calls to eager family members all while knowing your partner is fully supported and not alone!

We work together, as a team!  The goal is for you and
your partner to feel closer and more connected having experienced
the birth of your child together!  Come to a free consultation,
​I would love to meet you and see how I can best support you both!

Jennie Pyfferoen Photography