How Partners Can Help During Labor & Delivery
Labor and delivery is a team effort. Learn how to be an effective birth partner, provide meaningful support, and help create a positive birth experience for both you and your partner.
Preparing for Your Role as Birth Partner
Before Labor Begins
Learn Together
- Attend childbirth classes
- Practice breathing techniques
- Learn comfort measures
- Understand stages of labor
- Tour the delivery facility
Plan Ahead
- Discuss birth preferences
- Know pain relief options
- Understand medical procedures
- Plan for different scenarios
- Pack hospital bags early
Supporting Through Early Labor
Signs Labor is Starting
What to Watch For
- Regular contractions
- Water breaking
- Bloody show
- Lower back pain
- Nausea or diarrhea
How to Help
- Time contractions together
- Help her stay calm
- Prepare for hospital trip
- Contact healthcare provider
- Encourage rest and nutrition
Active Labor Support Techniques
Physical Comfort Measures
Positioning Support
- Help her change positions frequently
- Support her during walking
- Assist with birthing ball use
- Help her find comfortable positions
- Provide pillows and props
Pain Relief Techniques
- Apply counter-pressure to back
- Offer ice packs or heat pads
- Provide gentle massage
- Help with shower or bath
- Use aromatherapy if desired
Emotional Support
Encouragement
- Offer constant verbal encouragement
- Remind her she's doing great
- Help her focus on one contraction at a time
- Celebrate progress milestones
- Remind her of her strength
Presence and Touch
- Maintain eye contact during contractions
- Hold her hand or provide touch
- Stay close and present
- Breathe together
- Be her anchor during intense moments
Communication and Advocacy
With Your Partner
- • Ask what she needs in the moment
- • Respect her wishes and preferences
- • Help her communicate with staff
- • Translate medical information if needed
- • Support her decisions
- • Stay positive and calm
With Medical Staff
- • Ask questions when unclear
- • Advocate for her birth preferences
- • Request time to discuss decisions
- • Ensure informed consent
- • Be respectful but assertive
- • Keep birth plan accessible
During Different Stages of Labor
Transition Phase (8-10cm)
This is often the most intense phase. She may feel overwhelmed, nauseous, or say she "can't do this."
What to Expect
- Very strong, frequent contractions
- She may feel overwhelmed
- Possible nausea or shaking
- Difficulty concentrating
How to Help
- Remind her this phase is temporary
- Help her breathe through contractions
- Provide ice chips or lip balm
- Be extra encouraging
Pushing and Delivery
The final stage where your baby will be born. Energy levels may surge.
Support During Pushing
- Help her get into effective position
- Count with her during pushes
- Wipe her face with cool cloth
- Tell her when you see the baby
At the Moment of Birth
- Be ready with words of celebration
- Cut the cord if desired
- Take photos if appropriate
- Share the joy of the moment
What to Bring and Keep Handy
Comfort Items
- Massage oil or lotion
- Music playlist
- Essential oils (if allowed)
- Her favorite snacks
- Camera or phone for photos
- Comfortable clothes for going home
Practical Essentials
- Birth plan copies
- Insurance cards and ID
- Phone chargers
- Snacks for yourself
- Change of clothes
- Contact list for announcements
Things to Avoid
- Don't take her behavior during labor personally
- Avoid saying "just relax" or "calm down"
- Don't compare her labor to others
- Avoid making decisions without consulting her
- Don't leave her side unless she asks
- Avoid being on your phone excessively
Remember
Your presence, support, and love are the most important things you can offer. Every woman's labor is different, so stay flexible and responsive to her needs. Trust in her strength and your ability to support her through this incredible journey of bringing your baby into the world.