Will a doula interfere with my partner's role at the birth?

Some fathers worry a doula will make them unnecessary or unwanted, while this is a common concern, you need not worry. A doula is in full support of the birth you want and that might mean they are less hands on since the father wants to participate actively. Some fathers are glad to have someone who can help direct them in what to do, but still want to take the actions themselves. For example, a father might not think to help the mother get into an assisted squat but might want to hold her in the squat as the doula helps him understand how to do that for the mother. Doulas and dads are both at the birth to support the mother but they have different expertise. The father is an expert on the woman in labor, as they have a long and loving history together. The doula holds important information and experience with childbirth and she more fully understands a laboring woman's needs. 

This daddy-blogger writes about his experience with a doula in a humorous post found here. http://daddyconfidential.com/2012/parenting/i-challenge-you-to-a-doula/