As a first-time dad, I wasn’t totally sure what a doula did—I just knew I wanted my wife to feel supported during labor. What I didn’t expect was how much I would benefit from having her there, too. From the moment we hired Janée, she made both of us feel informed, confident, and ready. She took the time to educate us on the stages of labor, comfort techniques, and what to expect in the hospital. By the time my wife went into labor, I actually felt prepared instead of overwhelmed. During the birth, she was absolutely incredible. She supported my wife emotionally and physically, but she also guided me on how to support her better—whether it was suggesting positions, showing me how to apply counter-pressure, or reassuring me when things got intense. I never once felt useless or in the way. Instead, I felt like an active part of the process, which meant everything to me. She created a calm, encouraging atmosphere the entire time. Anytime we had questions, she explained things clearly and helped us feel comfortable with the decisions we were making. Her presence took so much stress off both of us, allowing me to focus on my wife and stay grounded. Looking back, hiring Janée was one of the best decisions we made. She didn’t just support my wife—she empowered me as a husband and new father. If you’re on the fence, especially as a dad, take it from me: a good doula is worth every bit of it. She made our birth experience something we’ll be grateful for forever.
— Michael L.
