Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Juan Irby. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Juan , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
As a male doula in the birthing community, my approach centers on fostering a holistic birthing experience that actively involves fathers and partners. While doula care traditionally leans towards female professionals, I recognize the importance of breaking down gender stereotypes and ensuring that fathers feel not only welcomed but empowered in the birthing process. I provide a supportive and non-judgmental environment for both expectant parents, acknowledging that every family’s journey is unique. I actively engage dads by offering them hands-on techniques to support their partner during labor, from massage and comfort measures to emotional encouragement. My aim is to create a partnership dynamic in the birthing room, where fathers are active participants rather than passive observers, helping to strengthen the bond between couples during this transformative moment.
In addition to my role as a male doula, I also strive to bridge the gap in the birthing community by offering education and resources specifically tailored to fathers. I host classes and provide informational materials that help dads understand the physical and emotional changes their partners are going through, as well as how to navigate the intricacies of labor and postpartum care. By doing so, I empower fathers to be informed advocates for their partners, enabling them to make informed decisions together. My presence as a male doula reinforces the notion that active father involvement during childbirth not only benefits the mother but also contributes to the overall health and well-being of the entire family unit. In essence, my mission is to redefine the role of fathers in the birthing community and ensure that they are not just bystanders but essential partners in the beautiful journey of childbirth.
Juan , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
Juan Irby, the owner, and founder of Dad to Dudla is not your typical doula or parenting resource. My journey into this unique industry began when I became a father myself, and I realized the need for a more inclusive and supportive approach to childbirth and parenting. This realization inspired me to establish Dad to Dudla, a brand and platform dedicated to transforming the role of fathers in the birthing community.
At Dad to Dudla, I offer a range of products and services geared towards expectant fathers and partners. These include educational workshops, informative materials, and one-on-one coaching sessions aimed at empowering dads to actively participate in the birthing process. My goal is to bridge the gap between traditional gender roles in childbirth and create an environment where fathers are not just present but essential contributors to their partner’s birthing experience. I specialize in providing support and guidance for fathers, ensuring they have the knowledge and tools to be strong advocates for their partners during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.
What sets Dad to Dudla apart is our commitment to inclusivity and the belief that every family’s journey is unique. We prioritize creating an open and non-judgmental space for fathers, regardless of their background or experience level. I am most proud of the positive impact Dad to Dudla has had on countless families, helping fathers become confident and engaged participants in one of life’s most transformative moments. Whether you’re an expectant father, a birthing partner, or simply someone interested in redefining gender roles in childbirth, I invite you to join our community and be part of the movement to empower dads and create more fulfilling birthing experiences for all.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One moment that truly tested my resilience as a male doula was when I encountered resistance from some individuals within the birthing community who were skeptical of my role due to my gender. Despite my passion for supporting fathers and partners in the birthing process, I faced criticism and doubt from a few traditionalists who believed that only women could fulfill the role of a doula.
Rather than letting these challenges deter me, I used them as motivation to work harder and prove the value of my role as a male doula. I continued to educate myself, attend workshops, and collaborate with healthcare professionals to enhance my knowledge and skills. I reached out to fathers who had benefited from my services and encouraged them to share their positive experiences.
Over time, I witnessed a shift in attitudes within the birthing community. More and more people began to recognize the importance of including fathers and partners in the birthing process and appreciated the unique perspective and support that a male doula could provide. This journey taught me that resilience, determination, and a commitment to one’s mission can break down barriers and lead to positive change in the face of adversity. Today, I am proud to see the acceptance and appreciation of male doulas growing, and I continue to advocate for a more inclusive and supportive birthing experience for all families.
We’d love to hear the story of how you built up your social media audience?
Building an audience on social media as a male doula has been an exciting journey. It started with a genuine passion for helping fathers and partners become active participants in the birthing process. Here’s how I gradually built my presence on social media and some advice for those looking to do the same:
Authenticity: I began by sharing my personal experiences and insights as a father and doula. Authenticity resonates with people. I shared my own challenges, triumphs, and the transformation I went through as a father. This authenticity helped me connect with my audience on a deeper level.
Educational Content: I realized that providing valuable information was key. I created educational content about childbirth, parenting, and the role of fathers. This content included informative posts, videos, and articles that addressed common concerns and questions. Sharing knowledge establishes you as a trusted authority in your niche.
Engage and Respond: Building a community means engaging with your audience. I actively responded to comments, messages, and questions from followers. This interaction fosters a sense of community and shows that you genuinely care about your audience’s needs.
Collaborations: Collaborating with other professionals in the birthing and parenting space expanded my reach. Partnering with midwives, doulas, pediatricians, and other experts allowed me to tap into their followers while providing diverse perspectives to my audience.
Consistency: Consistency is key in social media. I established a posting schedule and stuck to it. This helped keep my audience engaged and expecting regular content.
Hashtags and Keywords: Using relevant hashtags and keywords increased the discoverability of my content. Researching and strategically incorporating these into my posts allowed me to reach a broader audience.
Storytelling: Sharing personal and client stories added a human touch to my content. People connect with stories, especially when they can relate to the emotions and experiences shared.
Quality Visuals: High-quality visuals, such as well-edited videos and eye-catching graphics, grab attention and make your content more shareable.
Promote Networking: Joining parenting and birthing communities and forums allowed me to share my content and engage with a broader audience interested in these topics.
Adapt and Evolve: Social media trends change rapidly. It’s essential to stay updated and adapt your strategy accordingly. What worked yesterday might not work tomorrow.
My advice for those starting to build their social media presence is to stay patient and persistent. Building a meaningful audience takes time. Focus on providing value, being authentic, and engaging with your followers genuinely. Consistency and adaptability are key. Listen to your audience’s feedback and continuously refine your approach to meet their needs. Building a supportive and engaged community around your passion is incredibly rewarding in the long run.
Contact Info:
- Website: Www.dadtodudla.com
- Instagram: Dadtodudla