Breaking Stereotypes: Meet the Male Doula Empowering Fathers to Support Mothers During Childbirth
Kansas City Dad Empowers Fathers to Support Partners During Childbirth
When you think of a doula, the image that likely comes to mind is a woman providing physical and emotional support during childbirth. However, one Kansas City dad is challenging that stereotype and empowering fathers to be trusted sources of support for their partners during this critical time.
James Hogue’s journey began four years ago when he and his wife, Shunquita, planned to have their son at home. However, complications arose, and they had to give birth in a hospital. Despite the change in plans, the training Hogue received with their doula prepared him to be a positive source of support for his wife in the hospital.
Reflecting on his experience, Hogue recognized the need for more fathers to be educated and informed about childbirth, especially considering the disparities in pregnancy-related complications for Black women. This realization led him to become a certified doula and launch his nonprofit organization, Fathers Assisting Mothers (FAM).
FAM’s Dad Doula Bootcamp is a four-week course designed to equip expectant fathers with the knowledge and resources they need to support their partners through childbirth. Hogue is passionate about improving pregnancy outcomes for Black families and believes that by training fathers to advocate for their partners, they can help reduce disparities in maternal health.
With less than six percent of certified doulas in the US being men and less than ten percent being Black, Hogue’s mission is not only groundbreaking but also essential in addressing the needs of diverse families across the country.
“If a father is trained and aware of what’s happening and knows how to advocate, we can reduce some of these disparities,” Hogue stated. His dedication to empowering fathers to support their partners during childbirth is not only changing the narrative but also saving lives.