Every birth partner will be different, some may be pros and others may not know what to do. Your birth partner’s support through labor and delivery can be incredibly beneficial. Not just
for the support but also for the oxytocin. Oxytocin is the love hormone. When we increase this hormone naturally, it will support labor progression.

Education

Start with familiarizing your partner with the birthing process. Having them participate in a childbirth education class
can be beneficial for you both also. When it comes to labor and delivery, your partner can start by simply offering water,
chapstick, and comfort. These may seem like small tasks, but they can be incredibly helpful.

Hands-On Help

To help, birth partners can offer counter pressure, hip squeezes, and give gentle massages. All three of these ideas can offer a tremendous amount of help to the laboring mother. If the mother is experiencing a lot of discomfort, these are great ways to offer help. There are also many labor positions that the birth partner can support the mom through. Holding her belly and providing support in any position can be helpful. Getting warm or hot towels, helping her breathe and offering
positive affirmations can also be simple yet effective and easy for a dad to support mom.

Simple Gestures

Dad may not be a doula but he can help support her like one. More often than not, small but simple gestures can be helpful to the laboring mother. Circumstances and options will vary
for every birth. Talking to your birth partner prior to the big day about your preferences and ideas will be beneficial. These are all excellent ideas to consider when writing your birth plan.
Creating a plan together can get you both on the same page and feeling more confident and comfortable.

Story by Tayler Morrison for BlueWaterParent.com

All content of BlueWaterParent.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.