BBL 159: What is Dad’s Role in Birth?

What can Dad do during a natural birth?  Most dads want to be involved - and most mamas want their help!  Today we'll discuss how dads can be helpful during delivery - including different roles men take, how you can encourage your husband, and even if dads really need to go through birthing classes with you. 

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Things I Cover In This Episode:

  • The truth about men and birth (hint: he may be more than a little scared!)
  • How men and women worry about birth n' babies differently
  • How to prevent "totally out of it dad" syndrome
  • What a good birth coach looks like
  • When dad takes this role both of you benefit
  • What does a skilled birth partner look like (and why do you want one)?
  • How dads can adapt to be the perfect birth partner
  • When a doula can help both Mom and Dad
  • Practical ways to get dad involved in pregnancy and birth preparation

Things mentioned in this episode:

  • MamaBaby Birthing - my online birthing class series
  • Birth Into Being - beautiful birth documentary from Russian midwives; full of wisdom!
  • Rori Ray - good information on how to communicate well within your relationship
  • Birthing From Within - Pam England's excellent book talks about dad as a protector and gives practical ways to "practice" together
  • Business of Being Born - this is a good documentary to watch with dads!
  • Orgasmic Birth - despite the rather shocking title, this is a solid documentary to watch with dads-to-be

(NOTE: Want a Perfect Birth Plan Template? Use this template and step-by-step videos to write a birth plan that gets your birth team on your side for a beautiful birth experience! Get the birth plan kit here.)

Handle Labor Pain

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  1. Thank you for this great post! I'm a doula and dads/partners frequently ask me for tips on how to be a good support once labor begins so now I can point them to this resource in addition to the things I usually suggest. As a doula, I think it's vitally important to view both partners as the client – they both need support and doulas can really help dads/partners to be more present and less pressured during labor and birth.

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