Bump & Beyond | How To Be The Best Support Person During Pregnancy

From my experience working at the bedside in labor and delivery, I have learned a lot about being a good support person to someone in labor. Being a support person to someone having a baby is an important job! But you may be wondering how you can help if you have never been in this situation. Today, I'm sharing some tips for how you can do just that.

First, I’ll share the advice I give to patients who come to my childbirth classes. I usually give homework when that focuses on having a few conversations before labor begins. Good communication is the foundation for a successful labor, delivery, and postpartum experience. Having clear communication about what someone wants and needs from a support person can make a huge difference! Try having conversations about some of these things:

• Who are you comfortable sharing any details about delivery with?

• What parts of labor and delivery are you comfortable sharing?

• What are some examples of things to say to help comfort/motivate you in labor?

• What are some examples of things I should not say/would not be helpful for you in labor?

• Are you comfortable having visitors in the hospital or at home for the first few weeks?

• Who are you comfortable with having as a visitor?

• Do you have any requests from visitors? For example: Do not touch the baby's face, wash your hands before holding, do not visit us if you are sick, etc.

• Let’s make a plan to check in on your mental health — what does that look like for us?
   

Next, let’s talk about how to be a good support person in the delivery room. As a support person, there are many ways you can be helpful. You can:

• Adjust pillows and blankets to help them rest.

• Adjust the thermostat as needed — and bring a jacket, some women like it cold in labor.

• Help distract from early labor discomfort: Watch a show together, listen to music, etc.

• Wear headphones while passing the time so you don't disturb them while resting.

• Manage updates to family and friends.

• Make plans to manage children, pets, or other responsibilities before delivery.

• Avoid eating smelly foods in the delivery room.

• Get ice chips, which can help distract from or alleviate dry mouth.

• Fan them off or hand them a cool wash cloth when nausea strikes.

• Be patient with the process; labor can take a while!

Finally, be present. There is a big difference between physically being in the room and being present for the person in labor. Labor and delivery is a beautiful place, but it can be intimidating for someone going in to have a baby. Focus your energy on being encouraging and reassuring. You got this!

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Bump & Beyond is a blog series from Infirmary Health to provide guidance and education to pre and post-partum moms. Learn more about the author of this blog, childbirth educator, Sarah Mallonee.

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