There’s no doubt that labor and childbirth are hard on both partners, but the mother bears most of the burden. Sometimes as a supportive partner, you cannot help but do everything in your power to ease her pain. If you’re in that phase or about to be, we have tips to help you support your partner during the most precious yet challenging time of your life.
Here’s what you need to know:
Preparation for delivery and labor
Attend childbirth education classes with attention. Get to know the phases of labor, what your partner’s body is doing, and why a C-section is necessary. It will make the experience less frightening for you if you know what to expect.
Wait patiently
Even though labor is exciting, it can be tedious as well. As a matter of fact, you may spend hours simply waiting.
It is possible that your partner will need less physical support during the early stages of labor if she has an epidural. Keep your partner busy to distract her from their discomfort. Make sure you keep her entertained with music, conversations, and card games instead.
Lawyer Up
It’s natural to hope that everything will be just right with delivery, but there’s no guarantee that everything will go smoothly. You must take precautions and take every measure to ensure success.
By hiring a lawyer, you can strengthen your case and won’t have to worry about how to file a lawsuit later. It will help you avoid labor complications and medical negligence during childbirth, ensuring smooth delivery for your partner.
Be a supporter
When a pregnant woman becomes panicky during labor, her partner is the best person to help her breathe again. You are the only person who knows them better.
Throughout your partner’s contractions, reassure them that you love them and that they’re doing a great job. They will appreciate it if you feed them ice chips or wipe away their sweat. It’s common for some people not to like being touched during labor, but some enjoy having their necks or backs rubbed. Keep an open mind and go with the flow!
Ask questions
The constant activity in the delivery room can be intimidating. However, do not hesitate to ask the nurse questions if something is not clear. Getting an answer could ease your and your partner’s mind.
Monitor Contractions
Your partner cannot see the contraction monitor, but you can see it. It means you can describe when the contractions are about to peak and subside as you talk them through the pain. They may feel more in control if you tell them what’s going on, when it’s beginning, and when it’s ending.
Defend your partner’s interests
Find out what kind of assistance your partner would like before experiencing gut-wrenching contractions. Talk to them about their birth plans in advance, and find out how they feel about episiotomies and what they expect from the doctor. Your partner may change their mind after experiencing the realities of labor.
In contrast, a doctor or nurse might pressure them into accepting an intervention they don’t need or want. There may be a communication barrier between you and your partner, but no one in the room knows them better than you. It’s your job to let the doctors know if she wants a C-section or if she would like to push a little longer during delivery.
Take advantage of every opportunity
Later in life, when you look at the photos of your child’s birth, you will discover things you either forgot or couldn’t remember. Make sure to record the childbirth process to secure the moments of your special day. Some angles are better than others if you’re videotaping the birth. Unless you plan to show this movie to anyone else, do not point your camera directly at the birthing scene. If you want to photograph over the shoulder of your partner (or doctor), you should do so. However, recording the birth may not be allowed by your doctor or midwife; check with them ahead of time.
The Experience of Giving Birth Can Be Messy
There is a lot of blood involved in giving birth. You may even see your partner have a bowel movement as they push. There is a good chance they will make primal noises you have never heard before. You must say: “You’re doing great!” no matter how unsettled you may feel. Often, they won’t even pay attention to what you say, but something comforting about your familiar voice and reassuring tone can keep them going.
Complaining won’t help
Keep your cool and don’t complain or act bored. It is common for dads who have sat next to their wives for so long to complain of a sore back. During labor, the focus is entirely on the person giving birth. It may help spouses in labor squeeze their partner’s hands during contractions. A contraction usually lasts 60 seconds, so you must tough it out.
Put them in the right frame of mind
The most comfortable labor environment for most women is one in which the lights are dimmed, and their surroundings are quiet, so either dim the lights and minimize noise or ask the nurse to help you. Know that simple things, such as a favorite pillow, a pair of socks, or a relaxing scent can make a big difference.
Many hospitals offer alternative delivery rooms that resemble a mother’s home rather than a maternity ward. No matter what kind of hospital room you end up in, give it your personal touch. Consider bringing a picture from home or making a playlist. Listening to music with a steady beat can also help you count through contractions.
Don’t miss the opportunity to make the occasion special
You’ve contacted the relatives, and your partner is resting. The baby is in the nursery. Do you think you need a nap? Not yet. There is no better time to show your partner how much you appreciate them after they endured so much physically and emotionally. Spend money on chocolates, bring flowers, or cook a meal. Make the occasion special in whatever way you choose.
Conclusion
Support your partner during the birthing process is the most compassionate thing you can do. Even though the process can seem scary, these tips can help ease your partner’s and your anxiety. At the beginning of labor, things may seem frightening to a new parent, but there’s nothing the loving comfort of your loved one can’t fix.
