Talk to your partner about the birth so you know what her preferences are. Wherever you decide to give birth, you can create a calm environment. Make sure you have snacks and drinks for you and your partner.
Dim the lights. Try some music. And avoid unnecessary disruptions. Make sure she's as comfortable as possible. She might need to get changed; she might need a pillow. Make sure she stays hydrated. And look after yourself, too. Try to take a short break when you can.
Help your partner to be upright as much as possible. As well as standing, this can be kneeling or sitting on a ball. You might have to hold onto her while she leans against you or on you. Focus on her breathing during the contractions this will help her to cope with any pain.
Be prepared to ask questions about what's happening especially if something's not going as planned. You can then reassure your partner and keep her informed. Your partner's consent is needed for every aspect of her care and treatment. Loving encouragement is exactly what she needs.
Top tips for birthing partners:
Christoph - Dad to Annabelle (13 weeks): Be as supportive possibly can try and relax them as best as you can, that's really all you can do. Be supportive for your partner, this was I think helped Christine a lot and try to be calm and and calm your partner down, be there to have your hand squeezed.
Cristina - Mum to Annabelle (13 weeks): I know you you won't be able to take the pain away but, feeling that you are not alone I think this is a really good.
Jenny - NCT antenatal teacher: I think it's a really good idea for birth partners to feel that they're prepared for the sorts of things they're going to be involved in on the day. If mum wants to use a TENS machine for pain relief in labour, make sure you get it out of the box before the day, that you've actually opened it up, read the instructions, understand how it all fits together. Make sure that you've got the batteries ready for it make sure that you know where the pads need to go on mums back so that you're ready to go with that. Another top tip would be, for birth partners to actually be involved in packing the labor bag themselves. Because on the day it's going to be the partner who needs to get a bits and pieces out that mum wants or or needs as we go along so, if the partners pack the bag they know where everything is and they can get things out really easily and it will be far less stressful for everybody concerned.
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