HOW TO REALLY PREPARE YOUR PARTNER FOR LABOUR AND BIRTH
- Lucy Denny
- Feb 14, 2022
- 4 min read
Updated: Apr 5, 2022
Let’s talk about birth and labour preparation, not for mama, but for your birth partner. Whether that’s your spouse, mum, friend, or sister you want them to be educated, to step up and speak up when necessary and be able to support you through one of life’s most precious moments, for you and for them.
We prepare our hospital bag, our birth space, the nursery, even our pets for the arrival of a new little babe - but what about our partners? I made it my number one priority that my husband had the necessary skills to support me both physically and emotionally during my pregnancy and the birth of our son. I can guarantee this wouldn’t have been easy for him, my expectations are often high and when I was pregnant, if my belly wasn’t a dead giveaway, my hormones made sure everyone knew I was!
I am sure you have heard of the phrase “Knowledge is Power”. This will never be more evident than now. Once those two little lines appear, your pregnant, growing life and navigating a series of birth choices that effect not only you but your baby as well. What kind of care would you like? A private OB-GEN, midwifery care? Would you like to birth in hospital or at home? Maybe you would like to freebirth your baby?
It goes without saying, making these decisions can sometimes be overwhelming. It’s important to have a conversation about these topics prior to “birth-time” to set both you and your birth partner up for success.
Did you know having a supportive birth partner results in better outcomes for both mother and baby? Including higher rates of birth satisfaction. So, how can we make sure that you and your birth partner are on the same page?
Here are some great ways your birth partner can get more involved during pregnancy and ultimately be the best support person for you and your baby during birth:
Hire a doula, it will be the best thing you ever do. A doula is a non-medical support person who cares for the birthing woman and her partner during and after the birth of their baby. They work closely with you throughout you pregnancy, birth and early postpartum period, offer a wealth of knowledge and evidence-based information and supports both you and your partner to make choices that feel right for you. Your support person needs a support person to 😉
Talk about birth and your transition to becoming a parent. Discuss the type of parent you would like to be and what are you looking forward to.
Talk to couples who have recently had babies. Find out what worked best for them. If they feel comfortable ask for them to share their birth stories with you and how their partner successfully supported them in labour.
Listen to birth and parenting podcasts! Podcasts are the new way of learning. There are so many informative birth podcasts available on Spotify. I have listed a few of my favourites below.
'Australian Birth Stories' - Inspiring, funny, honest birth stories shared by women hosted by Sophie Walker.
'Evidence Based Birth' - covers the research evidence on hot topics about pregnancy and childbirth!
'Fear Free Childbirth' - This podcast helps you to transform your fears related to your birthing experience into excitement. It focuses on alleviating worries and anxieties so you can enjoy your pregnancy and birth.
Watch positive birth videos. I also highly recommend the documentary “birth time” #datenight
Enrol your husband in a “Birthing Dad’s” course. A simple ‘how to guide’ for supporting birth like an everyday superhero and stepping into fatherhood like a boss. The course provides evidence-based information on the physical and emotional support strategies that men can use to prepare and welcome their baby earthside.
Attend an independent birth education class. I recommend Hypnobirthing. I am not going to lie, when I first suggested it, my husband did think it was a little woo-woo (He did marry a hippie) BUT he changed his tune pretty quickly. Our hypnobirthing instructor taught us how to use deep breathing techniques, self-hypnosis techniques, birthing positions and how to tap into a state of deep relaxation. We entered our birthing space confident, strong, and knowledgeable with a deep trust in each other. I knew my husband would know what to do and when to do it, he was my safe space. Hypnobirthing Australia run online and in-person classes nationwide. The link below will assist with finding a local practitioner.
Have your partner interact with baby and feel apart of your pregnancy. Get them to read a book aloud before bed each night, feel the baby move and attend ultrasound appointments when possible.
Create a “birth plan” together. When constructing your plan clear about what you want and what you don’t want. Clarify your boundaries, list props you would like to use during pregnancy (peanut ball, CUB, birth ball, TENS machine, rebozo). Would you like a physiological birth? Or would you like to take advantage of pain medication available? Advise if you like to birth in the water and explain the environment you want your birth space to be. Is it calm, dark and quiet with little distraction? Remember this is YOUR birth, be specific. This experience is yours and you do not have to explain your choices to ANYONE!
Debrief after the birth of your baby with each other. Birth is a lifechanging event for all involved. It is important to acknowledge when you are feeling down or overwhelmed, hold space for each other.
Labour and birth don’t have to always be serious, make it fun and enjoy each other’s company as you transition from John and Jane to MUM AND DAD!
My name is Lucy Denny and I am a qualified doula who has trained at the Doula Training Academy. If you would like more information about my doula services, please contact me:
Business: Aura and Soul Holistic Doula Services
Email: auraandsoul@gmail.com
Mobile:0413 217 766
Website: www.auraandsoul.com.au
Images sourced from:
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