Your partner in birth!

Here is a post all about how your partner can support you in labour and birth, especially if you do not have a doula.

Experiencing birth for the first time can not only feel overwhelming for the birthing parent, but for their partner as well. You are both in this together and will be a team. Make sure you’re both prepared and know your birth wishes as well as know what to expect in certain situations.

Something that is usually hard for a partner is seeing the person they love experiencing the intense sensations that are contractions and labour pains, and they are unable to help or “fix” it which might be challenging for them.

Now, there is nothing that they need to fix in labour, but there are plenty of tools they can use to support you and be an active support partner.

Some tips are:

• Touch. There are many ways to use this, but light touch, massage, cuddling, counter pressure, acupressure points and warm/cold face washers usually works wonders.

• Voice. Encouraging words and comforting and familiar voice will help you tremendously while doing the hard labour work. No inappropriate jokes but laugher is great.

• Movement. Frequent change of positioning, going for a walk or leaning on your partner. Slow dance is amazing.

• Fuel. Keep snacks and water handy and let your partner be in charge of fueling you with energy.

• Space. Keeping your space sacred, even in a hospital. Let your partner be your advocate and make sure they know your birth wishes and preferences beforehand. Create a birth playlist and let your partner know what music you feel like.

• Warm. Showers/birth pool will feel amazing, help you relax and reduce labour pain. Hot water packs as well.

• Presence. Your partner is your safe space, keep them close! Them being there, present in the moment, staying calm and loving on you will keep your oxytocin levels high.
  
  What did your partner do that you found helpful in labour?
  Leave me a comment below xx