3 Ways Partners Support During Labor
You’ve hired a doula! While this may take some of the pressure off of your partner during labor, it’s never our goal to shut your partner out of the process. After all, birth is an impactful experience for partners, too, and the bond you two share is greater than with anyone else!
Partner involvement during labor benefits everyone, and here are some tried and true methods that can help even the most uneasy partners feel helpful:
Bring the snacks! Frequently offering bites (and sips of water) to the laboring person is helpful. During labor, it’s often that hunger is the last thing on your mind, but staying well nourished and hydrated has many benefits. Partners, keep her favorite snack in your pocket for easy access and make sure her water bottle is never empty. This may feel like a small thing, but it can have a big impact.
Boundary Enforcer. When you’re in “laborland”, it’s common to feel focused on what is happening with your body. For coping, outside and unwelcome distractions can be a hurdle that makes coping more difficult. Your partner can exercise their role by helping to maintain boundaries in the birth room so that you are not disturbed. They can communicate your wishes without burden (with prior conversations about what those are, of course) to care providers, and can help remind people in the room not to speak during contractions. If someone comes into the room with something to say during a contraction, all a partner has to do is look at that person and put one finger up. This signals to the speaker to stop speaking, and that you will address them in due time.
Be Present. The most impactful thing a partner can do during labor is simply to be present and attentive. Often, labor is a vulnerable time, and by simply having someone you love close and present, it can change the environment from scary and unknown, to comforting and supportive.
Of course, there is no shortage of ways partners can show up for their loved one during labor. Some are excited to play a physically active role by providing counter pressure and hip squeezes, while others shine through emotional connection. Wherever your partner lands, your doula will help them find ways to support you, confidently and individually. By supporting the birthing partner during labor, your doula is also supporting you. As birth doula Judy says, “birth is bonding”. We are so excited to be a part of your team and to help you both feel supported during the process.