Tag: caesarean birth partner

A birth partner wears many different ‘hats’, but the role can be as simple as being there. The key is presence: being in the moment, being the guardian of oxytocin, the birth keeper and the advocate. Your role will be led by the birthing mother or person you are supporting.

Who can be a birth partner?

A birth partner could be the baby’s father or other parent, the pregnant person’s partner, a friend, a family member, or a professional birth partner such as a doula.

What does the birth partner’s role include?

During the birth, a birth partner might:

• offer massage
• read hypnobirthing scripts
• advocate for the birthing mother or person
• give reminders to go to the loo
• help keep them hydrated and energised
• offer supportive words and touch
• protect the birth space

Here is a great example of a birth partner advocating for the birthing woman’s options:

How can I prepare to be a birth partner?

• Talk with the pregnant mother or person about their wishes and birth preferences.
• Plan the route to the hospital or birth centre, and which entrance to use at different times of day and night (although Google Maps timings are pretty accurate).
• Know where the birth bag is, and get familiar with what’s in it – or help pack it – so you can find things quickly.
• Think of ways to time contractions without watching the clock, which can create unwanted tension. Be creative!
  • I’ve seen families watch a series with roughly 30-minute episodes and count how many contractions they had per episode.
  • Others made a 30- or 60-minute playlist and counted the contraction waves during it.
• You may need to speak to the healthcare professionals if the person you’re supporting can’t. Knowing their birth preferences and being able to communicate their wishes and symptoms clearly really helps.
• Look after your own needs too – you can only support others when you are well and comfortable. Birth can take a long time, so bring spare clothes and refreshments for yourself.
• Bring a phone charger so you can contact family and friends when you need to (if that’s what you’ve agreed).
• Most vending machines and car parks now accept contactless or phone payments, so you may not need loose change – but check with your chosen birth place.
• Go to antenatal appointments and childbirth classes together.
• Do your own research about birth, options and procedures.

For more practical ideas, see my Birth Partner Hacks.