A responsible doula supports and encourages the father and enhances his support style rather than replaces him. In the 1960's, new attitudes encouraged fathers to participate in the birth experience and couples demanded that hospitals allow the partner's presence. Over the next several decades, fathers graduated from being mere observers to being almost solely responsible for the physical and emotional needs of his laboring partner. As consumerism grew, he also became responsible for considering objectively, and making informed decisions about various procedures performed during the birth process.

Although the father or partner may be able to provide continuous support, most likely, he has little actual experience in dealing with the forces of labor and little knowledge about obstetrical routines. Even fathers who have had intensive classroom preparation are often surprised at the amount of work and negotiating involved (more than enough for two people). Even more important, many fathers experience the birth as an emotional journey of their own and find it hard to be objective in such a situation.