Why I Became a Doula

Honestly, I never dreamed of becoming a doula. I’ve always had a passion for people and knew I wanted children, but I didn’t initially see how those things could come together as a meaningful career.

That all changed when I became a first-time dad. I remember the pride and excitement I felt seeing our first son, Mason. It was everything I had always heard having a child would be. Pure joy. Baby bliss.

Then reality set in. Sleepless nights. A screaming infant who needed nearly constant care. Arguments with my wife. Going to work completely exhausted. I kept telling myself it would get better and that it was just a phase. But over time, things got worse instead of improving. I was experiencing postpartum depression, and I had no idea.

Men can and do experience postpartum depression. In fact, it affects 1 in 10 dads, and some studies suggest it could be as many as 1 in 4. My feelings were real and valid. Looking back, I often wondered how many other dads felt like I did, tired, overwhelmed, and needing support. Where was the guide for fathers? Where was the space for us to be heard?

So I became a certified birth and postpartum doula and a new parent educator to provide the kind of support for dads that I wish had been available to me.

Fast forward two years to the birth of our second child. This time, we were ready. Our birth plan was in hand. I had spoken with the doctor ahead of time and explained my role as both a dad and a doula. We had our lights, affirmations, and essential oils. Even though my wife needed to be induced, she was still able to birth our baby naturally using the techniques I had learned through doula training and birthing classes.

Most importantly, I felt confident in my role as a husband. I was able to protect my wife in that moment and advocate for our family. That is the kind of experience I want to help create for other dads and partners.

As a labor doula, my goal is to help others find their voice in the birthing space, protect and support their partner, and recognize feelings that are often misunderstood or overlooked.

Honestly, I never dreamed of becoming a doula. I’ve always had a passion for people and knew I wanted children, but I didn’t initially see how those things could come together as a meaningful career.

That all changed when I became a first-time dad. I remember the pride and excitement I felt seeing our first son, Mason. It was everything I had always heard having a child would be. Pure joy. Baby bliss.

Then reality set in. Sleepless nights. A screaming infant who needed nearly constant care. Arguments with my wife. Going to work completely exhausted. I kept telling myself it would get better and that it was just a phase. But over time, things got worse instead of improving. I was experiencing postpartum depression, and I had no idea.

Men can and do experience postpartum depression. In fact, it affects 1 in 10 dads, and some studies suggest it could be as many as 1 in 4. My feelings were real and valid. Looking back, I often wondered how many other dads felt like I did, tired, overwhelmed, and needing support. Where was the guide for fathers? Where was the space for us to be heard?

So I became a certified birth and postpartum doula and a new parent educator to provide the kind of support for dads that I wish had been available to me.

Fast forward two years to the birth of our second child. This time, we were ready. Our birth plan was in hand. I had spoken with the doctor ahead of time and explained my role as both a dad and a doula. We had our lights, affirmations, and essential oils. Even though my wife needed to be induced, she was still able to birth our baby naturally using the techniques I had learned through doula training and birthing classes.

Most importantly, I felt confident in my role as a husband. I was able to protect my wife in that moment and advocate for our family. That is the kind of experience I want to help create for other dads and partners.

As a labor doula, my goal is to help others find their voice in the birthing space, protect and support their partner, and recognize feelings that are often misunderstood or overlooked.