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Dad Becomes Doula After Traumatic Birth
6 Aug
Summary
- A father enrolled in a doula course after a traumatic delivery.
- The course trains men to support partners during pregnancy and birth.
- Demand for the program surged, with hundreds on the waiting list.
Alonzo Kirkman experienced profound despair during the traumatic birth of his son Brayden in 2022, as his wife Brianca faced severe complications and hemorrhaging. The experience left him feeling ill-equipped to support her through the ordeal.
Motivated to ensure a different experience for his second child, due in June, Kirkman enrolled in the Dads to Doulas online course. Founded by Brad Edwards after a personal loss, the program operates under the Dear Fathers media platform.
The six-week program, which includes in-person and online sessions, educates men on pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Participants learn medical terminology and gain hands-on experience with birthing tools, enabling active support for their partners.
Kyra Betts, a lead facilitator, highlighted the critical need for such training, noting that Black women face significantly higher maternal mortality rates. The demand for Dads to Doulas has surged, with a waiting list of 400 men for the recent online cohort.
Kirkman found the training invaluable, equipping him with the confidence and communication skills to interact effectively with medical staff. This preparation ensured his wife felt safe and supported during the birth of their second child, Aloni.
Baby Aloni arrived six weeks early and required NICU care. During this extended hospital stay, Kirkman's doula training proved crucial, giving him the confidence to understand and engage with medical discussions.
