Labor is an anticipated event, but it is often accompanied by anxiety. Expecting mothers must face not only physical pain but also emotional pressure. Research has shown that selecting the right birth support person can effectively alleviate this pressure and help the mother better cope with labor.
If the hospital where you are giving birth allows a birth partner and your financial situation permits, it is highly recommended to have a support person with you. Studies indicate that having a birth partner boosts the mother’s confidence and sense of security, reduces feelings of isolation and fear, and, as a result, can indirectly lessen the pain of childbirth.
Who Is Suitable to Accompany During Labor?
Choosing a birth support person is a highly personal decision. Below are common options for birth partners:
- Partner (typically the baby's father): The most common birth support person is the baby's father. He can provide emotional support, encourage deep breathing, and comfort the mother during contractions.
- Other family members: Some mothers prefer to have their mother, mother-in-law, or close friend by their side. The person chosen should be someone who can provide comfort and understand the needs of the mother during labor.
- Midwife (professional birth support): A midwife is a trained professional who specializes in providing emotional and physical support during labor. Unlike family members, a midwife not only offers comfort but also uses professional knowledge and experience to guide the mother through labor. Many mothers find that midwives are better able to help manage discomfort and ensure a smoother labor process.
What Can the Birth Support Person Do During Labor?
Labor is generally divided into three stages, and the birth support person can play an important role during each of these stages. Below is an example using the father, explaining how the birth partner can help reduce the mother’s pain and facilitate a smoother delivery.
First Stage: From Regular Contractions to Full Cervical Dilation
The first stage of labor starts with regular contractions and ends when the cervix is fully dilated (about 10 cm). For a first-time mother, this stage typically lasts 12 to 18 hours. For mothers who have given birth before, the process may be faster, taking about 6 to 8 hours.
During this lengthy stage, the birth support person should:
- Provide emotional support: Stay calm, encourage the mother, hold her hand, and reassure her that each contraction brings her closer to meeting her baby.
- Assist with breathing: Remind the mother to breathe deeply and relax. This helps reduce pain and keeps her focused.
- Help with posture changes: If the mother’s water has not broken and her baby’s heart rate is normal, she can change positions to relieve pain (e.g., walking, standing, sitting, or using a birthing ball). The birth partner can assist her with these movements.
- Provide water and food: Labor is physically demanding, and the mother may become fatigued and thirsty. The support person can help her drink water or eat easily digestible foods (such as porridge or bread). If the mother has gestational diabetes, low-sugar options like millet porridge or whole wheat bread are preferable.
Second Stage: Full Cervical Dilation to Baby's Birth
The second stage of labor begins when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the birth of the baby. For first-time mothers, this stage usually lasts no longer than 2 hours, while for mothers with previous births, it typically lasts under 1 hour.
During this stage, the birth support person should:
- Provide comfort and encouragement: As the mother may scream or cry out in pain, the birth partner should offer comfort, remind her to breathe deeply, and encourage her to push with each contraction.
- Assist with hydration: The mother may feel thirsty during this stage, and the support person can help her drink fluids (such as water or electrolyte drinks, if allowed by the hospital).
- Support physical assistance: The support person can help the mother maintain comfortable positions, such as holding her legs or providing other physical support as she pushes the baby out.
Third Stage: Delivery of the Placenta
The third stage of labor refers to the period following the birth of the baby until the placenta is delivered. This stage usually lasts 5 to 15 minutes, with a maximum duration of 30 minutes.
During this stage, the birth support person should:
- Continue offering comfort: After the baby is born, the mother may experience some discomfort or cramping as the placenta is expelled. The support person can continue comforting her during this time.
- Help with breastfeeding: If the mother plans to breastfeed, the birth partner can assist with skin-to-skin contact and the first feeding.
- Observe the mother’s condition: After delivery, the mother will need to be monitored in the delivery room for a period of time. The support person should pay close attention to her physical condition and communicate with the medical staff as needed.
Hospital Policies on Birth Support
Most hospitals allow at least one support person to accompany the mother during labor. However, some hospitals may have additional rules or restrictions, especially in specific situations. It is recommended to check the hospital’s policy on birth support, including who is allowed to be present and any rules regarding the birth partner.
In some hospitals, it is also possible to hire a midwife for continuous emotional and physical support. Midwives are well-trained professionals who can help ensure a positive birth experience and support both the mother and her birth partner throughout the labor process.
What If You Don’t Want Certain People to Be Present During Birth?
If you are unsure about who should accompany you during labor or feel uncomfortable with certain people being present, it is essential to discuss your preferences with your doctor beforehand. You are not obligated to have anyone accompany you that you do not feel comfortable with. If you feel that you need some private space, it is perfectly acceptable to choose not to have specific people present.
Choosing the right birth support person is crucial for ensuring a positive birth experience. Whether it’s a partner, a family member, or a professional midwife, the right support can provide emotional comfort, help manage pain, and ensure the mother feels safe and supported throughout labor. Be sure to communicate your preferences with the medical team ahead of time to ensure that the birth experience is as smooth and supportive as possible.
