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Comfort and support for labor

Giving Support in Labor:

Research has shown that support during labor reduces the need for pain-relieving drugs, shortens labor and makes the birth an easier and happier experience.  The birth process is unpredictable and stressful.  Practice the relaxation and comfort measures you have learned in childbirth class.  During labor the nurses, your midwife or your doctor may also a source of guidance in providing support for your partner.

The kind of support you can give.

 The most helpful and important thing you can do for yourself and your partner is to be relaxed.  By staying relaxed and calm you communicate a sense of well-being and of confidence in her ability to give birth.  It also allows you to better communicate and understand what is happening during the birth process.  It is easy to become anxious and distracted by all the medical equipment, the staff, and the changes that take place during labor.

Be positive!  Positive statements can be empowering during labor while negative statement may leave Mom feeling unsure of herself and fearful.  Avoid statements like,  “You weren’t very relaxed and focused during that last contraction.  You need do better because you know each contraction just keeps getting harder and harder.”  Instead you might offer positive suggestions like,  “You have really been doing a good job relaxing.  Remember to pull your shoulders down and just let go with the next contraction.  Each contraction just brings us closer to holding our baby. “

Create an environment that is comfortable for your laboring partner.  The temperature, the lighting, music, her favorite pillow are important in providing comfort during labor.  Be sensitive to her needs and how they change during labor.  What she enjoys in early labor may be irritating during transition.  Family members may be welcome at times during labor but at others may be too distracting.  The staff will help you in maintaining a comfortable environment while also considering her medical needs.

Massage can be a great tool for helping your partner cope with labor.  Know what your partner likes and dislikes.  Refer to the handout Massage-Touch Relaxation.

Focusing you attention during a contraction may be helpful during labor.  Many women prefer an internal focus.  They might visualize the contractions and moving the baby through the pelvis while others prefer something calming and pleasant—the beach or a mountaintop.  Others may prefer a picture, a baby toy, an object in the room, or a song or a poem—something external.  Helping your partner focus their attention may be the distraction they need to be able to relax.

Changing positions often will encourage the progress of labor, reduce fatigue and often relieve pain.  Remind her to change positions every 15 to 30 minutes during labor.

Breathing-Your breathing pace and style are closely linked to your sense of calm and ability to relax.  If you find that your partner is caught up in pain and tension, breathing with her taking one or two cleansing breaths (a deep breathe in and out).  Practice the different breathing patterns you learned in childbirth class.  Help you partner use the one that is works best for her and helps her to relax and focus.

Giving support in labor takes time, patience, caring, and commitment.  It sometimes takes endurance and hard work.
 But the reward is the excitement and joy you share when a child is born.