19/07/2026
Birth partners can be such a valued source of practical and emotional support to mums during labour:
Be her calm and protective space so mum can let go and focus on her contractions, breathing and relaxation
Manage the room so the physical conditions support optimal hormonal flow...darkness, switch of bright lights, fill the birth pool, ask any staff coming in and out to reduce small talk and help create a calm, private environment
Let staff know about her preferences and assert yourself in communiicating for these to be met. Eg if mum would like to use the pool, but contractions are coming thick and fast, make a plan with her to help her to move towards the pool after the next contraction, if she would still like to.
Offer counter pressure on the back of her pelvis or squeeze her hips during contractions and be guided by her responses
Gently suggest position changes and toilet trips if she has been labouring in one position for a while
Give emotional support, reassurance and encouragement, especially around transition if she is feeling fear and self doubt
Aim to stay emotionally connected and present, try to stay of your phone and be present and attentive
Look after yourself too, labour can be long, rest if mum is sleeping, eat and take toilet breaks
Remind her to use her breathing, and to soften her jaw and let go of tension through her face and body
If she has been practicing Yoga and/or Hypnobirthing saying words like Breathe, Softening, Let Go will help her to reconnect with her breathing and relaxation
Mums...what do you remember your birth partners doing or saying that felt really valuable or supportive?
Clare
Holistic Antenatal Education
Pregnancy Yoga
Birth Preparation
Hypnobirthing
Doula Support
