Erik on support for partners

We needed an extra on our "team" that I could connect with at any time during labor (compared to the labor staff who were not always in the room) no matter what was on my mind.

Someone who could help me but was also independent and for whom I was not responsible.

We both decided on Anna, I wanted her because she saw me too and was empathetic and sympathetic. I didn't really think a doula would matter but I was glad she was there. It was more intense and more to keep track of than I had thought. And I think I would have felt quite exhausted without her. The birth went well and it was nice for my girlfriend to have someone to call afterwards too.