Supporting Your Partner During Labour
 Being present at the birth of your child can be an amazing experience. It can also be a time when you can play a much more active role than you might think. Here are some ways in which you can support and encourage your partner during labour.
I'll Be There
Just being in the same room as your partner when they're giving birth can be a huge help and encouragement. Look to your partner for direction on how much or little she needs you to hold or help. Some women will want to clutch your hand throughout the birth. Others will probably want someone to shout at. Either way – be assured that just being present is important.
Helpful Hand
This is the time to be at your partner's beck and call. You can fetch cold drinks, help with breathing exercises or help with pain relief. Massage can be a powerful tool in relieving labour pain – concentrate on the lower back, or stroke her head.
Don't Panic!
Be prepared for all eventualities. You and your partner may have expected a straightforward labour but as more than one in five labours end up in the operating theatre*, there's a good chance you'll end up seeing a lot more of them than you may have bargained for. If your partner does have a caesarean you can be with them throughout the operation, but you'll be required to scrub up and put an operating gown on. Use antenatal classes as an opportunity to quiz midwifes on what you should expect, to allow you to rise to any challenge.
Unwilling Or Unable?
Over the past ten or so years, it's become expected that men will attend the birth of their children. But you may find that circumstances prevent you from being there. If you can't make it to the birth – don't worry, you'll have plenty of time to bond with your child. Don't beat yourself up about it; do as much as you can to make up for it! If, on the other hand, you really don’t want to be present at the birth, it's important you take the time to talk through your feelings with your partner. You may find them more understanding than you think; after all they don't want you fainting when they're mid-labour!
*NHS statistics 2003-2004
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