Omaha, Neb. – A new community effort is giving fathers in North Omaha a clear role in the birth and postpartum journey. Juan Irby, who became the first Black doula in Alabama five years ago, founded the nonprofit Dad to Dudla to equip dads with practical tools, emotional support and education.
From personal struggle to community service
Irby’s path into birth work began with his own experience. “It started with the birth of my son. I ended up going through postpartum depression, and I didn’t have the support that I need at the time,” he explained. Determined that other fathers would not have to face the same isolation, Irby created a program that teaches men how to advocate during pregnancy, assist in labor and navigate early fatherhood.
Workshops teach concrete skills
At a recent community conversation hosted by the nonprofit I Be Black Girl, dads learned how to ask the right questions during prenatal visits, how to be present in the delivery room and how to handle everyday tasks such as laundry and diaper changes. “We can fold the laundry. We can wash the dishes. We can do this too,” Irby said, emphasizing that hands‑on help is a vital part of a healthy family dynamic.
Mental‑health focus
Irby also highlighted a topic that often goes unspoken: fathers’ mental health. He believes postpartum depression among dads is frequently missed because men are taught to keep their feelings to themselves. “Dads, you need a community too,” he urged, calling for more open dialogue and resources.
One participant, Johnny Nesbit, said the session opened his eyes. “I think I would want the power to choose to have a doula to go through the process with us. I know it’s something that my wife would definitely prefer to do as well,” Nesbit shared.
Presence over perfection
Irby stresses that fathers do not need to be perfect, only present. “Dads are the heartbeat of the whole entire operation. Like, we want to be seen. We want to be heard about the whole entire process,” he said, underscoring the importance of fathers feeling valued in the birthing experience.
For more information on how to become a doula‑supportive dad, visit the Dad to Dudla website.
Original reporting: KMTV 3 News Now (Scripps) – local — read the source article.
