Articles

Key takeaways

• A birth partner offers practical and emotional support during labour.
• You have the right to choose your birth partner(s) and your choices should be respected.
• Preparation includes antenatal classes and understanding the birth plan.
• Support during labour involves emotional comfort, physical help, and advocacy.

What is a birth partner and why are they important?

A birth partner is someone you choose to be with you during labour. Their role is to give you practical and emotional support. They encourage you throughout your labour.

Having a birth partner can help you cope better with contractions. It can also help your labour go more smoothly. They help you feel more supported.

A good birth partner is sensitive to your needs and stays calm under pressure. They can give practical support, like helping you move around. They can also explain what is happening clearly and calmly.

They can help you cope with pain by supporting you with breathing and relaxation techniques. They can ask for help if you need it, or speak up for you. A birth partner can make you feel better and comfort you.

You can also choose a professional birth partner, known as a doula – someone who offers emotional support and advocacy. Doulas often have extra training to support people in childbirth. They help you communicate your wishes and informed decisions during labour.

Choosing your support person and knowing your rights

You can choose your partner, a family member, or a friend to be your birth partner. You can also choose a professional birth partner, such as a doula. You can usually have a doula as well as a birth partner from your family or friends.

You can choose not to have a birth partner, or you can have more than one. You do not have to choose your partner if that does not work for you. If you do not have anyone, charities may offer volunteer emotional support for birth.

Your choice of birth partner or partners should be respected by those caring for you. Your choices should be carefully considered by staff.

They should not be restricted unless there is a good reason. An example of a justified restriction might be if a birth partner has been violent towards health professionals before.

Hospital policies on birth partners

Hospitals sometimes have policies on how many birth partners are allowed. This might be due to space in the labour room or theatre. If you have a disability or long-term health condition, healthcare professionals must make reasonable adjustments.

Hospital staff should also consider making an exception if you need more than one birth partner for other reasons. They must listen to you and consider your personal needs. For example, if you experience anxiety and want your partner and mother with you.

If you have a home birth, you can choose how many birth partners you wish to have. If you transfer to a hospital, you may only be able to have one or two partners with you. Your choice of a doula should be respected in the same way as a family member.

How a birth partner can prepare for labour

Preparation before labour starts can help a birth partner feel more ready. This helps them to be calm and supportive during birth.

• Attend antenatal classes – Your birth partner can attend antenatal classes with you. These classes cover topics like labour signs, contractions, and pain relief. They also help you both practise coping strategies.
• Familiarise themselves with the birth plan – Your birth partner should know what your birth plan says. They can help you write it or read it carefully to support your wishes during labour.
• Research labour and birth – Your birth partner can research the basics of what happens during labour to feel prepared.
• Practise relaxation and breathing techniques – Your birth partner can help you focus on relaxation or breathing during contractions. You can practise these techniques together beforehand.
• Learn comfort measures – Your birth partner can learn comfort measures, such as giving you a lower back massage to help ease backache in labour. They can gently rub your back.
• Research options – Your birth partner can research options, including risks and benefits. This helps them support you with decisions.
• Plan for changes – Make sure your birth partner knows your birth plan. Talk about what you want to happen if things do not go to plan.

Providing support during labour and birth

A birth partner's job is to support, comfort, and encourage you during labour and birth. This support can be emotional, physical, and through advocacy.

Emotional support

• Offer encouragement – Their words of encouragement, comfort, and reassurance are important. This is especially true as contractions get stronger.
• Help with focus – Your birth partner can help you focus on something during contractions. This could be relaxation, breathing techniques, or a spot on the wall.
• Stay calm – Labour can be exciting and nerve-wracking. Your birth partner's calmness helps you relax and stay focused.
• Provide affection – Giving you lots of encouragement and affection can help you cope with contractions and manage pain.

Physical support

• Help with movement and positions – Your birth partner can help you move about or change positions. You might lean on them if that is more comfortable.
• Provide massage – They can try giving you a lower back massage to ease backache. They can gently rub your back or hold your hand.
• Offer drinks and snacks – They can make sure you stay hydrated and keep up your energy. They can have drinks and snacks ready for you.

Advocacy

• Communicate wishes – Your birth partner can help explain your needs and wants to the midwife or doctor. They can speak up for you.
• Support decisions – Your birth partner can help you make decisions. They can remind you that it is always your choice what happens.
• Ask questions – A birth partner can help ask questions and explore options. This helps you make informed decisions.