Dads give something more powerful than anything a doctor, nurse, or even a Doula have to offer during labor… Their love.
I have seen mothers melt under the gentle touch of there partners hand. A small kiss on the forehead, a gentle whisper of “I love you”, and you can see the endorphins flow across her body like a wave of relaxation.
A Dad's Testtimonial
The experience that Tammy brought to my wife and birth of our daughter was much greater that I had hoped. While I was new to the services of a doula, I was looking forward to having a trained and experienced support person there.
I was expecting support, for both of us, education as to what phases we were in, what to expect and support in understanding the medical involvement component. Not only were all those things provided, but Tammy also supplied; 1) The instinct to know when to participate, when to suggest and when to observe. 2) Support to my wife while in labor that was obviously sincere and caring coming from a woman who had been there personally and professionally. 3) Suggestions on positions and techniques to help labor proceed naturally. 4) Emotional and physical preparation for my wife to start those suggestions as opposed to “being the leader” or “taking charge”
The other person present at the birth was my mother-in-law, a massage therapist. She must have performed at least 5 hours of back massage. But along with her and me there, Tammy’s presence made the experience what it was. She stepped up in the birthing phase above and beyond what the nurse was giving (not to take anything away from the nurse). I would say that because of the positions that Tammy suggested the labor was shorter than it would have been. Some very intense contractions occurred immediately after assuming some positions. The bag of waters broke and the birth phase started very soon after. It was obvious to me (even having no medical background) that these events were directly related. After the fact and looking back, Tammy was saying that the labor had stalled and that was why she thought it was time for some new positions. I did not realize at the time that labor had slowed down. It was Tammy’s experience that was shining through.
I have since become a HUGE proponent of Doulas and, of course, Tammy.
About two thirds through the experience I thought that the support from Tammy was great, but now I knew what to do for the next one. The rest of it was a powerful testament to Tammy’s abilities, awareness, willingness and application of all three. Tammy will be present at the next birth, period.
Greg and Mariah Singer