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Home › Articles › Dad's Health › Partner Power

Partner Power

How Your Birth Partner Can Help in Labor

By Joyce Haworth

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Dad helps her through labor Ever seen those sitcom ladies have their babies? That's transition. The good news is that in real life, transition lasts a short time - half an hour or so. It comes right before the pushing phase, when your partner's hormones are preparing for birth. The result is some pretty intense physical symptoms: hot flashes, nausea, burping, chills, shaking or one contraction on top of another. Emotionally, she may seem confused, or she may just give up. One friend of mine stood up and announced that she was done and she was going home. A client of mine pulled her midwife's hair. The best thing you can do for your partner is tell her that you think she's in transition, and the end is in sight. Just keep your hair out of her grasp.

  • Listen to her. Is she afraid of something? Is something distracting her? Adrenaline can slow contractions or cause them to become more painful.

  • Tell her what a great job she is doing. Labor is such a difficult task. Praising her over and over may sound corny to you, but it may be just what she needs.

  • Enjoy it! Labor is very hard work, but the sight of your baby's birth is one you will never forget. Savor the magic of a moment that is, quite literally, once in a lifetime.
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