50+ Ways To Support Your Partner During Labor
How To Provide Quality Support During Labor
The big moment is here! Your new baby is on the way! You’re thrilled, but your partner is focused on the gripping sensations of labor. Maybe she is irritable or seemingly difficult to please; maybe you are having trouble thinking of ways to comfort and support her. Perhaps you are just interested in finding a way to participate in this life-changing event.
No need to sit there befuddled, worried about what to do with your hands! I have typed up this handy cheat sheet full of tips for the you (the birth partner), all about how to provide support during labor. I have even created a printable PDF that you have the option to download at the bottom of the page, so you can reference it once labor is underway. You’ll be all set to provide loving care for your partner as she brings new life into the world.
Ways to Support Your Partner During Labor:
How To Support Your Partner During Early Labor:
Help her get ready for labor
Encourage her; say that she’s strong and ready
Make her tea (red raspberry leaf is a bonus) or broth to drink
Make her something to eat
Distract her with games, TV/Movies, or take her to get a foot massage
Suggest a shower or bath
Suggest a nap
Remind her to relax and save her energy for later
CALL THE DOULA – Keep her informed!
If she is feeling overwhelmed:
Reassure her and praise her
Give her an object or picture to look at during contractions
Remind her of the reason she’s here (baby)
Suggest a walk or position change
Ask extra people to leave the room
Place your hands on her face and breathe with her
If her belly hurts, you can:
Remind her to go to the bathroom often
Help her change position
With a light touch, massage her lower belly and thighs
Offer a warm heating pad
If she is having trouble relaxing, you can:
Place a hand over her hand
Have her shake both hands in the air
Touch her and remind her to relax, one body part at a time
Talk about a relaxing time
Play music that helps her relax
Read to her
Rub her back or neck
If she is too hot, you can:
Wash her face and neck with a cool, wet cloth
Give her ice chips
Fan her face and body
Open a window or turn down the thermostat
If her back hurts, you can:
Help her change positions
Put a warm cloth or heat pack on her back
Put a cold cloth or ice pack on her back
Apply counter pressure with hands or tennis ball
Sit back to back with her so your backs can press together
Have her lean against the pain with her own fists
Help her stand and lean against the wall
Help her get on her hands and knees and rock back and forth
If her legs and arms shake, you can:
Hold her steady so she feels more in control
Use a soft touch or long, firm stroking on her legs and arms
Rub her feet and hands
Put a warm blanket on her
If her contractions stop, you can:
Talk about labor and encourage rest and relaxation
Help her with nipple stimulation
Kiss her
Tell her how strong she is
Make sure she’s hydrated
Suggest a hot shower
Help her take a walk
Rub her back
Take her outside
Encourage her to get some sleep; Lay down with her