Doulas and Partners: How We Work Together to Support You in Labor
During my years as a doula in Denver, one thing consistently stands out when I think back on each birth—the incredible strength and support that partners bring into the birthing space when they themselves feel seen and valued.
I love supporting families in the most holistic way, which often means nurturing the partnership during pregnancy and birth. Birth is a profound experience for everyone involved, and I believe that a truly supportive birth space honors the needs of both parents. My goal as a doula is not to take over the partner’s role but to create an environment where everyone feels confident, connected, and genuinely supported throughout the entire process.
Partners often step into a new version of themselves after birth, just like the birthing person. When partners are actively involved, they often leave the birth space feeling not only empowered but also deeply connected—to their baby and to their partner.
On the flip side, I’ve also held space for stories from partners who walked into birth without support and felt the weight of it all on their shoulders. When things didn’t go as planned or emergencies arose, they were left feeling powerless—unsure how to advocate, support, or even process what was happening. Many of these stories end with a resolve to hire a doula for their next birth—not to replace their role but to share the responsibility of holding space and offering care.
What often begins as a way to support their partner transforms into a shared experience of care and connection for both of you. My role as your doula is to create a safe, loving environment where everyone feels valued, seen, and included—no matter how the birth journey unfolds.
Instead of replacing a supportive partner, doulas bring an added layer of holistic support. Here are just some of the ways we work together to create a positive and connected birth experience for everyone involved.
Education and Preparation
Education is one of the most empowering tools for a positive birth experience. It’s completely natural for partners to feel a mix of excitement and uncertainty as birth approaches—wondering what their role will look like when the big day arrives. As a doula, I offer prenatal sessions where we do so much more than discuss what to expect. We dive into hands-on comfort measures, talk through potential scenarios, and create space for all those unspoken worries and questions. It’s about building trust and making sure both of you feel like a strong, connected team heading into birth.
This preparation is not just about learning techniques but about nurturing confidence and connection. It gives partners the tools to be present, to feel capable, and to truly show up for their loved ones. Birth can be an intense experience, but when partners feel prepared and valued, it transforms the entire energy of the room. It allows you to move through labor not with fear or uncertainty but with strength and love.
Advocacy and Communication
Labor can feel like a whirlwind, especially in a hospital setting where the rhythm of staff coming and going and quick decisions can create a sense of chaos. It’s easy to feel lost in those moments, unsure of what’s happening or what to do next. That’s where a doula becomes a grounding presence—not to take over or speak for you, but to help you find your voice and navigate the process with confidence.
I see my role as a bridge between the medical team and your family. I’m there to ensure you understand your options, to gently guide you in asking the right questions, and to remind you of your birth plan when emotions are high. For partners, this support can be invaluable. Instead of feeling alone in critical moments, you have someone to lean on—someone who can bring clarity when everything feels intense. This way, you can focus on what matters most: being fully present, offering love, and sharing in the sacredness of your baby’s arrival.
Hands-On Support
While partners are often the most comforting presence for the birthing person, there are times when the physical demands of labor require more sustained support. This is where a doula can step in seamlessly. I often find myself trading off with partners, offering a break when needed—whether it's to grab a snack, use the restroom, or take a moment to rest. This allows the partner to maintain their energy and be fully present for those pivotal moments. A doula also brings a wealth of experience in comfort and positional techniques that can offer deeper insight into what hands-on support might be most beneficial. As a doula I offer only as a way to support the partner but LOVE to see a partner being the hands because in most cases those are the ones they need to hold most.
Allowing Partners to Shine in Their Own Birth Story
My goal is not only to support but also to step back and make room for the partner to connect, be present, and fully immerse themselves in those sacred moments.
As a birth photographer, this approach becomes even more powerful. When I’m behind the camera, I’m not just capturing images; I’m documenting the raw and real emotions, the quiet strength, and the tender connections unfolding in the room.
It’s incredible to see a partner's face light up with pride and love, to capture that genuine emotion as they support their loved one and meet their baby for the first time. These are the moments that matter—the ones that become part of the family’s legacy. And when partners look back on those images, they not only see the story of their baby’s birth but also their own strength, love, and presence in the most important chapter of their lives.
A doula is a guide, a steady presence, and a resource who can help partners find their voice, step into their role with confidence, and truly be part of the birth story. When partners feel prepared, supported, and valued, the entire birth experience shifts. They can connect deeply, advocate confidently, and look back on the day with a sense of pride and fulfillment.
Every partner deserves to feel empowered, not just as a witness to birth but as an active participant. You are not just "along for the ride"—you are an integral part of all of it!
If you want to walk into your birth space with the tools, knowledge, and peace of mind to fully support your partner while also feeling seen and cared for, I am here for you. Let's make your birth experience one that feels as transformative and beautiful for you as it does for the person giving birth.
Welcome
I’m Lindsey Eden
Doula and birth photographer based in Denver Colorado! Mama of two and passionate believer that documenting the journey of birth can heal and change lives!
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