In a recent client meeting, the husband expressed his desire to help the mama through her labor, but said that he was nervous because of his lack of experience since this is their first child. Basically, he wanted to help at his comfort level but didn't know what to expect or how he could be of service. I made this chart because I wanted to give him something simple that he could keep with the birth plan to refer back to during the big event! I referred to Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Penny Simkin's The Birth Partner, and various Bradley Method handouts as a guide.
Birth Partner and Comfort Guide
Early First Stage
• Emotionally exciting.
• Contractions are generally 10 minutes apart and last 45-60 seconds. They become progressively stronger and closer together. Strong contractions peak at 30 seconds.
• Help keep mom busy.
• Walk together to help open the pelvis.
• Eat if hungry, drink often, rest!
First Stage
• Confident and committed, acceptance of labor.
• This is a great time to have labor stations at home so that mom can be in different positions.
• Walking is still very important.
• Many changes are happening, but her body is settling into a pattern.
• Contractions are becoming stronger, generally 5 minutes apart and lasting around 60 seconds.
• Increased pressure, fullness in pelvis, backache, cramping.
• Pelvic rock, double hip squeeze, back massage are key!
Late First Stage (Hard Labor)
• Somber stage.
• Lying down may help (stack pillows or a peanut ball between knees to help open pelvis).
• May like privacy.
• Intense contractions that generally follow a pattern and last 60 seconds or more.
• Help mom relax completely between contractions with visualization, massage, cool towels, etc.
• Dim the lights and create a peaceful environment to allow her to let the labor take over.
• If anything, help mom relax through this stage.
Transition
• This is the most challenging part! Help her break it down one contraction at a time.
• Validate her feelings.
• Contractions may become irregular or may come on top of each other.
• Baby is shifting into alignment, which can cause a lot of pressure.
• Reassure her—the hard part is almost over.
• Whenever things get difficult, change something.
Second Stage
• Renewed energy, calm, determined.
• Urge to push.
• Might sleep between contractions, and there is usually more time between them to allow rest.
• Burning feeling that releases as the baby is born.
• Encourage her and allow her to choose the best position. Do as she asks!
Please feel free to use and share this with any doulas, dads and any other birth partners.
