Partner's role in birth
Support and encouragement when you're in labour is important - and
you may want to share the special moments after the birth with
someone you trust and love too.
Your partner may be the obvious choice, but it doesn't have to be
him - and if he can't, or doesn't want to be there, then it can
easily be another person. Also, you could have your partner and
someone else as well.
There's some evidence that having another person with you, instead
of, or as well as your partner, is helpful to mothers, and can even
shorten labour and make it a better experience for you. You could
have a close friend, a relative, or an antenatal teacher.
You'll have health professionals looking after your care all the
way through your labour, and of course it's important to feel
comfortable with them, and to trust them. Sometimes, a birth
partner is a great support in communicating what you need or want
to the health professionals, and just being there for you.
Think carefully about who you'd like to be with you. The person
you choose needs to be someone:
- you won't ever feel shy or embarrassed with - not just because
they'll see bits of you normally kept private, but also because
when labour gets to be harder work you might say things that sound
irritated or even aggressive.
- who will be strong and calm all the way through. Talk over your
plans for a partner with the hospital beforehand, and ask the
midwife to write them down in your notes. That way, you can be sure
whoever is on duty when you go into labour knows your wishes.
- Tested By Air
