SAN ANTONIO – When you hear “birthing expert” or “doula,” you probably picture a woman. But one man from San Antonio is changing that perception. He’s a male doula who helps not just the mom-to-be, but the dad-to-be as well.
Brian Salmon runs the Rocking Dads class. It’s an introduction to the birthing experience.
The 46-year-old Texan is a birthing expert. He's a man in a woman’s world, and it brings up a lot of questions.
“The biggest one is, ‘Oh my God, how would a woman want a male doula at their birth?’” Salmon said.
But many do. Salmon’s classes are packed and one main reason begins long before the delivery room. He helps dads get ready for their child’s birth in the Rocking Dads class. His sense of humor helps put the soon-to-be dads at ease.
“I think he’s a likable dude and really brings a lot of comfort to the subject,” Eval Avnon, an expectant dad, said.
His information is solid. Salmon has studied biochemistry and physiology, and has a degree in radiology. He also teaches fathers the benefits of breastfeeding.
“The baby is getting antigens from mom," Salmon said. "It prevents breast cancer -- certain types of breast cancer in mom, certain types of uterine cancer in mom."
Clint Belew is a graduate of Salmon’s Rocking Dads class.
“I tell all my friends, you know, anybody that’s having a baby coming up, 'Hey, you gotta go and see this guy, because he’s going to change your whole experience,'” Belew said.
Click here to find Brian’s "Birth Guy" videos.
Click here to become a birth doula yourself.