No. A Doula can actually bring a couple closer together. This is a stressful time for the couple. A Doula can help the father stay focused and calm while giving the love and support to the mother. A father needs to be pampered too! A Doula can do exactly that. Many times a father will forget to eat to keep his strength up. And when the dad needs a break - the Doula is there to give him a rest.

Fathers may worry they are not doing enough or the right thing. A Doula can help him care for and support the mom by giving suggestions, providing encouragement or giving needed breaks during a long labor. It is easy for the inexperienced dad to become overwhelmed and easily frustrated when the simple comfort techniques taught to them don't work - or are forgotten! A doula can help offer the right suggestion at the appropriate time, helping the father use his support skills better.

As one father put it "How can I coach when I have never played the game??" One study showed that 60% of fathers that have taken birth education classes become mostly a spectator, as they became overwhelmed with the surroundings.

A doula helps the father to be more involved and more effective. The nurses can not be with you at every moment or may not be at liberty to answer your questions in an unbiased manner. The doula fulfills this role so that parents receive the information they need to make informed decisions.

In short, the couple will find that the doula enriches the father's role by supporting both of them, not just the woman.