How to Be an Active Birth Partner During Active Labor

Active labor is a time when many moms feel challenged. Dilation and effacement are changing and contractions are getting stronger and staying consistent. Some of her earlier coping mechanisms may not be working anymore and her back may start aching as the baby drops lower into the pelvis. Mom may want you at her side from now until the birth of the baby--and she will feel more confident knowing you are there.

Instructions

1. Remain calm. You will need to stay calm so that Mom can do the same. She will feed off of your energy, so you need to create a calm and loving presence.

2. If she is doing something that she finds particularly helpful, continue to do it. Moms work well with repeating a ritual. She may like to rock during a contraction or walk. Keep repeating whatever is working until it doesn't work anymore. And, if you're wondering about how will you know it isn't working anymore, don't worry. She will tell you.

3. Do not ask questions or try to make her eat or drink during a contraction. Contractions take a lot of focus from Mom and she may not respond kindly to anyone at this point who is disturbing the energy. Wait a minute or two after the contraction to ask your question or rehydrate her.

4. Don't let anyone in the room (friends or family) that Mom really doesn't want there. Believe it or not, labor is a distinct energy that is changed easily. Allowing the wrong person in the room could actually slow labor down or stop it completely. Also, Mom needs to feel safe in her environment, so make sure nothing makes her feel the opposite.

5. Use massage, soft touches, your voice, aromatherapy and other vices to get her through active labor. Hot and cold rice socks are great therapy for back and neck pain. Hot packs also feel very soothing underneath the belly where the contractions may be dominant.

6. Use lots of encouragement. Moms often realize during active labor that things are going to get much worse. They may even wonder how are they going to make it through when it does get worse. Let her know that you are there and that she is doing a wonderful job. Remind her of some of her favorite memories such as a wedding day, the birth of another child, a vacation.

7. Remind her to urinate frequently. Having a full bladder can actually impede the baby's head from descending and cause more painful contractions. In addition, getting up and walking to the bathroom is good for her.

8. Change positions and try new things. Walking, squatting, side-lying and hydrotherapy are all good and effective things to try during labor. Remind her that if it doesn't work, she doesn't have to do it again. She may be surprised at what works and what doesn't.

Tips & Warnings

• Try to tune in with Mom's thinking and rhythm. Try to think about what she needs next--and have it ready.