Partners and Pregnancy - Page 2

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Page 2

Apr 7, 2001

Women in labor respond to pain differently. It's a good idea to practice the variety of comforting techniques you learn in class to discover what helps her best. By practicing together, she will learn to be able to trust you and rely on you to help comfort her during labor and birth. The labor partner's most important job is simply to be at your partner's side and help keep her comfortable. Tell her you love her and that you won't leave her alone. Your loving support will mean a lot to her.

In early labor, help her to pass the time. If she is hungry, she may be able to eat and drink light foods like soup, crackers, tea and popsicles. Many couples read, play games or watch a movie to distract themselves. Encourage the mother-to-be to rest as much as she can; she may even be able to nap between contractions. Help her take short walks or a warm shower. Showering will help her to relax and a short walk will help her get her contractions stronger and closer together in true labor. Don't forget to eat and drink to keep up your strength. A tired hungry coach is an ineffective coach.

During early labor, most moms just breathe as they normally would. As her contractions get stronger and closer together, it may help to use breathing techniques she may have learned in class. During contractions, look for tension in her arms, legs or face and encourage her to relax whatever is tense. Between contractions, encourage her to rest.

Offer your partner a back, foot or hand massage to help her relax. If she's thirsty, bring her a drink, some ice chips or a lollipop from her hospital bag. Help her go to the bathroom or take a walk if she wants to. Wipe her forehead with a cool, damp cloth. Talk to her in a low, calm voice. Assure her that her body knows how to give birth and you are there to help her. Encourage her to change positions frequently as this helps keep her comfortable and helps labor progress quickly. Act as her advocate. Ask questions of her care providers. Ask for regular updates on her labor progress.

Like the laboring mother, you will probably be most challenged at the end of her labor, just before it's time to begin pushing the baby out. This short stage is called transition, from 7 centimeters to 10 centimeters, or completely dilated. The mother-to-be may begin to feel overwhelmed by the work her body is doing. It is common for women to be nauseous or vomit at this stage. Sometimes they become irritable, frustrated and shake uncontrollably. It can be quite frightening if you are unprepared and unaware that this is normal. Help keep her focused on one contraction at a time. Keep offering ice chips and sips of water as she is usually breathing very heavily at this point and her mouth may be dry. Focus completely on her needs.

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