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We haven't had our baby yet either, but my DH is actually the one pushing me to hire a doula! He really wants someone there who is familiar with birth and who can give him the support he needs to be able to effectively support me. He compared it to the KitchenAid mixer he got me as a gift -- ostensibly for me, and I do love it, but he's the one who really gets to enjoy the benefits of it, haha. I think that, in spite of the prep we're doing, he worries how he'll react when we're actually in the moment and wants someone to be able to say "that's normal, it's ok" or "this might be a great time for some light touch massage" or whatever. We're doing Hypnobirthing, not Bradley, so I think the expectations of the hubby/partner are somewhat different but not totally different...but even before we decided which birth class to take, he was really into the idea of a doula. If you think of her as a support person for you both, not just for mom, maybe he'll be more on board with it?

Pretty much ditto to Mrs. Jazz....my doula helped both of us. Helped to find the best way to put counter-pressure on my back and then helped show DH how to help. They each took a leg when I pushed. She took pictures once C was born, while me and DH bonded with him. All and all an amazing investment

I was able to take a nap during Bee's labor with our first, thanks to the doula... that sold me right there haha! (Bee was sleeping at the time after getting her epidural - I wanted to watch over her, but the doula was there so she could watch over her and wake us both when Bee woke up.)

We had a Bradley birth with a doula, and let me tell you - my husband appreciated her as much or more than I did! She gave him breaks, gave him support, got us snacks and drinks, made sure we felt affirmed, you name it. Any time his confidence wavered, she was right there. Anything my husband forgot, she had a gentle reminder. LOVED her!!!

Our doula was a god send! DH & I also took Bradley and he was very "hands on" but with a 28 hour labor for start to finish he was glad he had someone to take turns with the back rubs. I also found myself angry with her more than him. She offered new positions for us to try and kept us both hydrated/fed.

There was a point in my labor that got really scary and the nurses led DH & I to believe that baby was in serious danger. It was very traumatizinf. After the doc came in and reassured us everything was ok, he left (I later learned to cry and throw up and then talk to his mom) and the doula was able to stay with me the whole time. He then returned after 45 minutes or so refreshed and ready to help me push she also greatly advocated for us with the doctors and nurses. My husband actually likes having her there more than me in the end lol

My husband said he won't have another baby WITHOUT a doula. She was so great at being a support but making sure it didn't interfere with the special time for as a couple and then family of three. Often times she would be the physical support (offering massage/counter pressure on back/hips) while DH was face to face with me offering the emotional support. When J was born she took pictures of our brand new family that we wouldn't have had otherwise, the pictures that mean most to me in the world. When I had to stay longer in L&D for stitches and recovery before being transferred, doula stayed with me while DH took J to get cleaned up. She helped use get settled in our PP room and was simply amazing. More than anything, she listened to our priorities in our birth plan and helped us have the birth was had hoped for.

ETA: I second PP in having your DH help interview so he finds someone that he also clicks with!

@math.nerd: I'd contact some local midwives or post on some related Facebook groups in your area if you'd be comfortable with a newer doula. They have to complete a certain amount of births to obtain their certification, so they do those births free or at an extremely reduced rate. We had a doula who was completing her DONA certification. She was ahhhh-mazing!