Resources for Birth Partners: Dads, Friends, and Loved Ones
Hey there! If you have come across this post, then that means that you have a pregnant loved one who is nearing their due date and YOU want to make sure that you are prepared to support them to the best of your ability. Hats off to you!
Pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period can be the most amazing, transformative time in a woman’s life - IF she has the support that she needs. This post is dedicated to ensuring that you have access to all of the best and most current resources for helping your loved one navigate the end of pregnancy, the unpredictability of childbirth, and the up’s and down’s of postpartum.
I have broken down the resources into categories, including: YouTube channels, podcasts, books and ebooks, and virtual/in-person courses.
YouTube Channels:
-This is a channel created by dads who love to make videos for other fathers about natural labor, birth, and life after a baby arrives. Their videos discuss how to be a great birth partner and the stuff that nobody tells you about being a dad.
-This is a channel created by two brothers who have collectively shared the journey of fatherhood over the last 5 years. They share a passion for helping kids, figuring out how to improve things and become better fathers, and helping other dads do the same.
Podcast Episodes:
"A Dad's Perspective (Part 1)"
-This is a podcast episode by "Birthful." In this episode, new dad Jeremy Buczek does a deep dive into the birth partner's experience of pregnancy, birth, and postpartum in order to help other dads know a bit more of what to expect.
"A Dad's Perspective (Part 2)"
-In Part 2 of this podcast episode by "Birthful," Jeremy shares the trauma he experienced, what helped him get through it, and the joy of becoming a new dad.
"Ep 109: Prepare Your Partner for Homebirth with The Paternal Partner"
-This is a podcast episode by Happy Homebirth. In this episode, home birth dad of 2 Sam Evans takes the guesswork out of dad birth preparation. This episode is full of insight when it comes to partner preparation and Sam gives some incredible tips and resources along the way.
“The Initiation of Man: Two Nine-Time Fathers Talk About the Magic of Birth”
-This is a podcast episode by Indie Birth’s “Taking Back Birth” podcast. In this episode, two nine-time fathers, Jason and Thom, talk about the magic of birth!
“Birth: The Greatest Opportunity for a Guy to Be a Man”
-This is a podcast episode by Indie Birth’s “Taking Back Birth” podcast. In this episode, Jason and Nathan, two seasoned fathers, talk about birth in the way that only 2 guys (with some very varied and unique birth experiences!) could.
“Dad Edition # 1: From Hospital Birth to Home Birth Experiences; An Interview with Ed Sciulli”
-This is a podcast episode by "Midwifery for the People." In this episode, Ed will share about his experiences of the births of his four children, ranging from cesarean births, to home births, to an accidentally unassisted home birth.
“The One About Getting Your Partner On Board with Homebirth”
-This is a podcast episode by Indie Birth’s “Taking Back Birth” podcast. In this episode, Maryn talks about one of the most common questions she hears: “How do I get my partner on board with homebirth?”
"Vince & Christina: On the Rock"
-This is a podcast episode by by Holy Wild Birth. In this episode, Vince and Christina show an incredible example of a healthy marriage and what teamwork looks like during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. Together, they tell their two Spirit-led home birth stories and then issue a much-needed invitation to the fathers among us. You will be blown away by the way Vince took ownership of his role in the process, every step of the way.
Books/Ebooks:
“The Birth Partner: A Complete Guide to Childbirth For Dads, Partners, Doulas, and Other Labor Companions” by Penny Simkin
-This book offers guidance in caring for the new mother, from her last trimester through the early postpartum period. Topics covered include: preparing for labor and knowing when it has begun, normal labor and how to help women every step of the way, epidurals and other medications for labor, Pitocin and other means to induce or speed up labor, non-medical techniques for easing labor pain, cesarean birth and complications that may require it, breastfeeding and newborn care, and more.
“Husband Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth” by Dr. Robert Bradley
-This is a book designed with all of the information that couples need to approach a natural childbirth safely, confidently, and wisely. Topics covered include: developing deeper communication skills with your partner in preparation for a drug-free childbirth, learning the physical, emotional, and mental relaxation techniques essential to achieving a natural birth, discovering how you and your care provider can work together towards an unmedicated childbirth, monitoring weight, nutrition, and overall wellbeing during pregnancy, using natural prevention methods for the most common pregnancy problems, uncovering tips for the bonding experience that you will share with your baby and your partner, and more.
"We're Pregnant! The First Time Dad's Pregnancy Handbook" by Adrian Kulp
-This is a book specifically designed for first time dads. It offers practical advice and knowledge necessary for pregnancy. Topics covered include: the basics of pregnancy, designing a birth plan, tips on being a helpful and supportive partner, must-ask questions for the care provider, milestone trackers, and more.
“Welcome to Fatherhood: The Modern Man's Guide to Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Fatherhood” by David Arrell
-This funny and fast-paced book has two goals: 1) to get better connected to Mama on her journey and 2) to get better prepared for what comes next at each step along yours. Full of solid and practical ideas and advice, "Wecome to Fatherhood" gets straight to the point and offers dozens of specific and detailed tips, tricks, tools, and techniques to help dads meet and exceed all of today's expectations.
“A Dad’s Journey Into Homebirth” by Jason Leister
-This is an ebook for fathers who are considering homebirth or for mothers who want them to.
Virtual Courses
"Birth Partner Bootcamp" by Pain Free Birth
-Karen offers 4 different teaching modules entitled: 1) Labor Practice Tutorial, 2) Masculine and Feminine Energy, 3) Birth Rights and How to Advocate, and 4) Q&A: Advocating for your Partner. The cost of the course includes a birth partner cheat sheet, a birth partner bootcamp guide, advocacy scripts for labor, prayers and declarations, a hands-on labor tutorial, a relaxation exercise for couples, and more.
"Welcome to Fatherhood" Video Courses by David Arrell
-David offers three different course options so you can select the best choice and pricepoint for you. Depending on which tier you select, it can include: 60+ short videos covering every stage of the journey, full access to the course, PDF and audio downloads of the "Wecome to Fatherhood" book, a 1-1 dad zone thriving mapping session, 3 1-1 coaching sessions with David, and a signed paperback copy of the "Welcome to Fatherhood" book.
“Partner Prep: The Dad Focused Birth Course” by Dr. Paige Hubert, PT, DPT
-This course is designed to help you know how to be an active participant in the birth of your baby. Topics covered include: ways to help before labor begins, the phases of labor, pain relief techniques, movement and position options, how to help in the recovery process, and more. It is completely virtual and can be completed in under 2 hours.
In-Person Courses (ATL)
Dad Bootcamp by a male medical professional and experienced dads, located in Hiram, GA
-This FREE workshop is designed for all dads-to-be. The goal is to equip dads with knowledge so that they know how to help in their journey to parenthood. Topics covered include: what to expect during labor and delivery, hands on learning opportunities about newborn care (how to change a diaper, swaddle, etc.) discussions to raise awareness about the risk factors of SIDS, shaken baby syndrome, car seat safety, postpartum depression, and more. This is a great opportunity for guys to ask questions and the setting allows for open discussions. This workshop is open to the public and dinner is served during the event.
Daddy Bootcamp by Northside Hospital
-This 3 hour in-person workshop for expecting fathers is faciliated by new dads. The veteran dads answer questions, address concerns, and share how they and their families are tackling common issues faced by new parents. Topics covered include: how to support the new mom and understanding what she's going through, forming a parenting team with your partner, handling gatekeeping and making sure you're hands-on from day one, troubleshooting crying babies, becoming the dad you want to be, bonding with baby, building your relationship with your partner before baby arrives, and more.
I hope the resources included in this list prove to be helpful for you as you prepare to assist your wife, sister, friend, or loved one in labor. What other things would you add to this list? Feel free to leave me a comment below!
