The Coach's Role in Labor & Delivery
What to Expect From Your Labor Coach During Childbirth
The
miraculous event of the birth of my children will be forever imprinted
on my mind. As I recall those events, I remember what a significant role
my husband played in the labor experience. From the moment of admission
for the birth of my first child, I recall wondering how my mother had
done this ALONE so many years before and I was grateful that childbirth
practices had progressed to family-centered care. With the variety of
tools available for help during childbirth, the one no one should do without
is the support person. This is someone who knows you well and is aware
of your needs and wishes.
For many of us, childbirth is often our first experience as a patient. We spend months planning and imagining that day when we will bring new life into the world. But all those dreams often change at the moment we are admitted to the labor suite. First, we have to remove all our clothes and put on a less-than-discreet hospital gown. Then, we lie in a strange bed, connected to sophisticated monitoring equipment. Someone draws our blood, starts an IV, and performs a vaginal exam. We may experience pain or discomfort from intermittent contractions that will continue to get longer and stronger and closer together until delivery. Perhaps this deviates from our expectations in our birth plan.
A positive birth experience may often depend on the support person—usually, this coach is your husband, the incipient dad—who comes with you to the hospital. The mere presence of your support person may be the most significantly important tool that you have. He is the person who can speak for you, give the support that you need, and be there to share all the moments leading to the birth of your child.
Early in labor, both of you will feel excitement and nervous anticipation. The coach has many tasks, including providing encouragement, diversion, and privacy. He should also understand the role of the healthcare team. Their primary focus is to assist in a safe birth for mom and baby.
It is important to keep in mind that the coach is a guest in the birthing room. The nurses and doctors will provide the coach with information, instruction, and direction. Depending on hospital policies and practices, the support person may be asked to leave the room for brief periods during certain procedures. These rules should be clarified early in the admission process.
As labor progresses, so does the importance of the coach's role. He should be giving the mom-to-be his undivided attention, keeping aware of the changing levels of emotional support that she needs. He must be prepared to address any physical needs, such as providing or removing a blanket during fluctuations in body temperature, helping with relaxed breathing techniques, and assisting with comfort measures such as position changes and shower therapy, as well as providing therapeutic touch and massage.
Women in labor often become intensely emotional and the coach should adjust his actions to meet her needs. Verbal support and encouragement are extremely important. As birth approaches, the coach may find it more difficult to remain calm and supportive when his efforts seem futile or unappreciated. It is important to remember that laboring women become more inwardly focused and often experience very strong feelings that they may not have total control over.
There may be periods when mom-to-be is able to sleep and this may also be a good time for the coach to take a nap so that he can be physically alert when delivery begins. The coach should make sure he has something to eat before it gets close to delivery. If he feels hungry or thirsty or weak, he should ask for some juice or soda. Dads have been known to faint at delivery, due to low blood sugar, adding to the excitement of the birth of their baby! If at all possible, your coach would probably rather avoid this scenario.
At the time of birth, the work really begins for both of you. Your husband truly becomes the coach now, assisting with positioning, breathing, and pushing. Between contractions, mom should rest and the coach should provide physical comforts such as ice chips, cool washcloths, and soothing conversation. He will get guidance and direction from the nursing staff and doctor on ways to help during delivery. Do keep in mind that, due to emergency medical situations, he may be asked to leave the bedside, at least temporarily.
The birth of your baby is a miraculous moment that you both will never forget. Dads often have the opportunity to cut the umbilical cord, which signifies more than just a physical separation. The focus of labor and birth is now directed to this beautiful new life and the truly joyous experience of parenting begins.
