It’s quite common for partners-to-be to feel a bit useless during labour. Nobody likes seeing their partner go through a tough and painful experience without being able to do anything to help.The good news is, expectant partners can do much more than stand around and get in the way! Here’s how you can help out in the delivery room.
Understand What She Expects
Your wife/partner might expect you to do everything during her delivery, or she might prefer you to keep back for the most part and let the doctor and midwife handle most things. Either way, the only way to know what she expects from you is to talk about it. Find out what kind of role she would like you to take on before and during the birth. If she wants you to be heavily involved, taking a birthing class together is a great way to feel a bit more prepared. Greenslopes Maternity offers antenatal classes for all their patients.
Play Masseuse
As a partner in the delivery room, you’ll likely find yourself on backrub duty at least once. There’s going to be a lot of soreness and stiffness in your partner’s body while she’s giving birth and afterwards. If you take the initiative by offering a soothing massage, she will almost certainly appreciate it. This is also a great way to comfort and distract your partner.
Know the Hospital
What’s the number to call when the contractions speed up? What’s the quickest route to the nearest bathroom? Where is the vending machine that has your partner’s favourite comfort food? Mum-to-be won’t have the patience to work out these details, so it’s up to you to understand the hospital’s layout and organise things as necessary.
Provide Physical and Emotional Support
From holding her up while she pushes to reassuring her she did a great job afterwards, you need to be the rock for your partner during and after labour. Yes, you’ll probably have an emotional breakdown (or two) of your own, but try to remain strong during the crucial moments and save these for later!
Amongst all the tension and drama, don’t forget to step back every now and then to appreciate what’s happening. Being there for your baby’s birth will be one of the most memorable experiences of your life.
Dr Ken Law is a Brisbane Obstetrician specialising in the management of pregnancy and delivery. For more information and to discuss your specific situation, please contact Dr Ken Law to arrange a consultation at Greenslopes Obstetrics and Gynaecology.
