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Dads and Delivery
A Labor Support Cheat Sheet for Fathers
By Kelly Camden, Certified Doula
Advocacy
You have the right to ask lots of questions and to discuss the options before making a decision about medical care. In addition to inquiring about benefits and alternatives, it is wise to ask, "If we do this procedure, what other procedures or medications might we need later?" Touch
In early labor, when contractions are irregular or not intense, your wife is likely to appreciate the usual way that you rub her back or feet. Once contractions become stronger, she will enjoy a "labor massage." - Using the flat hand to rub and apply pressure to back.
- Backrub or foot massage between contractions.
- Holding the painful part of the back during contractions.
- Pressing with flat palms against the painful part of low back or hips.
- Rubbing vigorously during contractions.
- Using fingertips to massage back.
Washcloths
If she looks flushed or sweaty from laboring, she may enjoy using cool wet washcloths on her face and neck. You won't have to go to the sink each time it gets warm. Instead, hold two corners of the wet washcloth and make a fanning motion; the cloth will cool almost instantly. Some laboring women like to be fanned as well. Another use for the washcloths comes near the time of birth, when the baby's head is just starting to show. Fill a large pink basin with warm water and put several clean washcloths in it. Ask the nurse to hold them on Mom's bottom to help the tissues stretch and to make pushing more comfortable. This is especially helpful if Mom is feeling a burning or stinging sensation.
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