#9 Reassure her. Often all that is needed is a bit of reassurance. Being in labour and giving birth can be hard work and tiring. Reassuring words, eye contact and touch can help your partner to get through it all. You might also want to try some praise or affirmations such as "You are strong." or "You,… Continue reading How to be a supportive birth partner #9
#8 Support her choices. It is important that your partner feels supported in her choices. It may be beneficial to discuss her choices and agree on few prior to going in to labour. Some women choose to write a birth plan, others prefer to write down just a few preferences. If you have strong believes… Continue reading How to be a supportive birth partner #8
#7 Be assertive. Ask if you are not sure what is happening. When making decisions, remember to ask your B.R.A.I.N. What are the Benefits? What are the Risks? What are the Alternatives? What do my Instincts tell me? What if we do Nothing for a while?
#6 You can do this! Yes, you really can! Be confident, you've got this!
#5 Give your partner your full attention! Give her your full attention, notice when she's starting to get tense. Help her by breathing together, massage, eye contact etc. Follow her lead! Remember #1 You know your partner best. You are confident and supportive.
You are a very important part of the team! Please be assured that you are a very important part of the birthing team. Your partner will appreciate your help, so will your baby. A supportive birth partner will also make a midwife's or other health professional's job easier as usually a more relaxed mother will… Continue reading How to be a supportive birth partner #4
Look after yourself, too! As a birth partner, you'll need to be well and comfortable, too. The better you feel, the better and more supportive you are going to be for your partner. Make sure you * drink plenty of water and stay hydrated * eat * wear comfortable clothes * go to the toilet… Continue reading How to be a supportive birth partner #3
Be calm and patient. That will help her to stay calm, too When a mother is calm, her body will release Oxytocin more effectively. What is Oxytocin? Oxytocin is the hormone which triggers her contractions and keeps them coming. Oxytocin is also known as the hormone of love. At the same time, a mother's body… Continue reading How to be a supportive Birth Partner #2
#1 Be confident! You know your partner best! You are going to be a birth partner for your partner? Be confident! You know her best! You will know your partner better than anyone else in the birthing room. This should make you confident. You know when she is doing well, when she needs reassurance, when… Continue reading How to be a supportive Birth Partner #1
A series of 10 top tips from mothers to their birth partners starts tomorrow! Please share with anyone who might be interested. These cards (pdf files) as well as an A2 poster are available to purchase for both parents-to-be and birth professionals from my website!
