Having a supportive partner is ideal… having a supportive partner that is trained in birth, can translate medical speak, offer suggestions/alternatives, be in two places at once would be the bomb. I like this quote “Asking your partner to be your sole guide through labour is like asking them to lead the way on a climb of Mt. Everest. They may be smart, and trustworthy, you may love them, but in the Himalayas you’d BOTH be better off with a Sherpa” – Pam England (author and educator). Doulas and partners work seamlessly together to reach the same goal, continuous, unfaltering support of the birthing mother.