How to Be a Great Birth Partner

Birth partners play an important role in the birthing process. A partner can be a spouse, mother, sibling, etc. As a birth partner, you hold the power to shape the experience into a more calm, relaxed, and positive one. Your purposeful presence keeps the environment feeling safe and supported, which improves birth outcomes.

Especially for first-time parents, supporting someone through labor and birth may feel like a daunting task. It can often feel overwhelming to see someone you care about in discomfort, but your partner will be in need of support now more than ever! Here are a few ways that you can ensure you are ready to be an awesome, encouraging partner during labor and childbirth:

- Be prepared. Know when and how to contact your doula and the birthing location, know how to get to the location, where to go, and how to check-in.

- Respect. Respect the space and her discomfort. Respect the process no matter how long or short.

- Get educated! Participate in childbirth classes, doula meetings, breastfeeding education, prenatal visits, etc. Work to figure out how you can best support your partner in labor. Learning how to time contractions is a great skill to have.

- Be supportive of the birth plan and her wants/needs in labor. Advocate and help her carry out the plan.

- Set the mood. Set up the laboring space in a way that is comfortable. This may include dimming the lights, using essential oils, playing their favorite music, etc.

- Make sure you have energy. Stay hydrated, have snacks on hand, and rest when you can.

- Try not to take anything personally. Be open to trying new things to help them find comfort when something does not work. Be okay with stepping back when they need space.

- Help the oxytocin flow! Massage, light touch, swaying, affection, telling a joke, etc. This will promote a feeling of safety and comfort and facilitate the progression of labor.

- Affirm them. Positive affirmations are a simple way to encourage the birthing person, promote a positive mindset, and provide motivation. A great one is: "Each contraction is one closer to meeting the baby."

Understand that simply being present for the birthing person will ensure that you are a great birth partner. Take everything in; it will be something that you remember for the rest of your life!

Download my free partner guide here:

Partner guide.pdf

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(Photo by Isabell Steinert Photography)