Labor Support
Who Needs It?
The answer to this question is every woman can benefit from having a supportive companion and supportive birthing team present during the time of labor and giving birth. This includes women who are having non-medicated births, those who request an epidural or other pain relief and those who require cesarean deliveries.
Labor support is not a new concept ―for all of time women have been attended and nurtured by caring souls during this amazing experience. We now know that giving birth leaves a profound emotional impact on the new mother ―which can be either positive or negative. The quality of support she receives can greatly contribute to how her childbirth will be experienced and remembered throughout the rest of her life.
How does a mom-to-be get that supportive team together?
First, she must take some time to think about what is really important to her in this childbirth journey. How does she envision the labor experience? Who does she want to be present with her? Who would she prefer be absent? Who does she envision meeting her specific needs in the best way?
Very often it is the baby’s father who provides primary support to the laboring woman. But she might instead, or in addition, choose her own mother or sister, a good friend or other family member. Perhaps she would like more than one person present. She could also decide to hire a professional doula or labor assistant to provide direction and support to herself and her primary support person(s).
Once the primary person or team has been decided upon, it is helpful to attend together a childbirth education class in order to gain basic understandings of the physiology of labor and birth, to learn of different birth options, and to acquire and practice skills and comfort measures that will be effective in all phases of labor. A facility tour would also be beneficial, as it will help her to become familiar with the space and the common expectations.
It is also vital to have an open discussion with her medical provider(s) regarding the things that she has identified as being important to her experience. The medical team is a crucial link in this chain and will have a key role to play in providing and re-enforcing labor support once the expectant mother is admitted to the hospital or birthing center. They, therefore, also need to be aware of the woman’s desires, fears, and strengths.
Basics of Labor Support
Labor support persons often ask, “What can I really do to help her?” Yes, it is difficult to observe someone you care about struggle and be in pain and that will sometimes make us feel helpless. However, there are many, many specific things that can be done to help a woman feel better in labor. Primarily there are two areas of focus: providing emotional support and encouragement and providing physical hands-on comfort measures. Here are some tips:
Emotional Support and Encouragement
- Recognize and respect that the laboring woman’s needs are truly unique to her and that they may change over the course of time in labor. Listen to her.
- Keep a calm and constant presence ―never leave her alone.
- Set up and manage the space for her. Lighting can be adjusted, music of her choosing is often calming, some odors might be relaxing and others offensive, photographs of family members or a special place might make an ideal focal point for her breathing. The television might be very irritating or she may like the distraction ―but she calls the shots on whether it is on or not ―even if the Super Bowl is taking place!
- Offer constant praise and encouragement to her through words and actions. Sometimes she will need to hear “You can do it” or “I’m right here” and at other times just a brush of your hand across her cheek or a squeeze of her hand will give her that needed reassurance and extra strength.
Physical Support Measures
- Always ask the medical providers about any restrictions on what you can provide for medical reasons. If no restrictions:
- While at home, encourage light eating and sipped fluids if she desires something.
- Help her with the breathing patterns learned in class. Focus on staying slow and deep as long as possible while exhaling tension with each out breath.
- Encourage her to walk if she can or change positions regularly if confined to bed. Just standing and leaning onto her partner while gently swaying or rotating her hips can be helpful.
- Pay attention to her mouth ―offer sips of fluids, ice chips, a Popsicle, a toothbrush and mouthwash, lip-gloss.
- Keep track and remind her to empty her bladder every hour or so.
- Touch is often a very powerful tool. It can range from simply holding her hand to giving a foot or hand massage to hugging her in your arms or sweeping the tension from her body with light stroking motions. If she decides she does not want to be touched at some point ―honor her wishes.
- A trip to the shower might feel good. Or a cold or warm compress to the back or neck. A cool wet washcloth to the face may feel wonderful.
- Help her release tension in her muscles by pointing it out and encouraging her to let go through words and touch.
- If she feels overwhelmed or panicky, stay close, maintain eye contact, be clear with short instructions, breathe with her and stay calm.
This labor day may only be one day in a woman’s life, but what a truly powerful day it can be. Having a nurturing and supportive companion and compassionate medical staff present can make all the difference in the world to this new mom as she starts her next important journey―parenthood.