Support Person Tips for Labor
Is your partner having a baby? Not sure how to help? Don’t doubt yourself. Check out these 5 tips and let’s get going.
HYDRATE. Be ready to give your laboring partner water, and other snacks throughout labor. It's a long process and staying hydrated is important! Don't forget to drink water yourself :)
ADVOCATE for your partner. Share birth preferences with your OB/midwife and any nurse providing care. Know what your partner wants, and advocate their wants and needs be met. If you need support on this, consider hiring a doula.
REST. Birth is a marathon, not a sprint. Take care of yourself too! Rest between contractions, nap when the birther naps or is resting. You deserve to take space for yourself as well.
4. PROVIDE PHYSICAL SUPPORT. There are so many ways to physically support a birther during labor. Side step together while holding them up. Sit down and let them squat using your thighs as support. Provide counterpressure during a contraction (a birthing class or doula can model that for you). Hold their hand. Massage their feet. Put a cold washcloth on their forehead. Give a hug. Let them hang on your shoulders during a contraction.
5. TAP INTO YOUR STRENGTHS. What are the ways that you already help you partner when they’re dealing with a physically or emotionally challenging? Do you tell jokes? Make eye contact? Affirm them? Give a hug? That’s amazing…do that when they’re in labor!
Want to talk more about preparing for birth with a doula? Contact our team today.
❤️ Kathleen, Boston Area Doulas
www.bostonareadoulas.com
📞 (857) 600-1907
✉️ kathleen@bostonareadoulas.com
