Strength in Unity: A Practical Guide to Supporting Your Birthing Partner

If you are expecting a baby with your partner, you might be wondering how you can best support them during this exciting and challenging time. Here are some tips to help you be a great birthing partner, both through birth and postpartum.

• Be present and attentive. Your partner needs your emotional and physical presence during labor and delivery. Stay by their side, hold their hand, offer words of encouragement, and follow their cues. Don’t be distracted by your phone, the TV, or other people in the room. Focus on your partner and your baby.
• Be flexible and adaptable. Birth plans are great, but sometimes things don’t go as expected. Be ready to adjust to changing situations and support your partner’s decisions. If they need a change of position, a different pain relief option, or a medical intervention, be supportive and respectful. Don’t argue or question their choices, unless there is a serious concern for their or the baby’s health.
• Be informed and prepared. Learn as much as you can about the stages of labor, the signs of labor, the possible complications, and postpartum recovery. Michigan Family Doulas offers group, virtual, and private childbirth class options for you and your partner.  We also offer a daddy boot camp, to really dive into what you can expect. You can read books and articles, watch videos, and talk to other parents. Pack a hospital bag with essentials for you and your partner, such as snacks, drinks, clothes, toiletries, phone chargers, etc. Have a list of important contacts, such as your doctor, your doula, your family members, etc.
• Be supportive and helpful. After the baby is born, your partner will need your help more than ever. They will be recovering from the birth, potentially adjusting to breastfeeding, dealing with hormonal changes, and coping with sleep deprivation. Help them with household chores, such as cooking, cleaning, laundry, etc. Offer to take care of the baby while they nap, shower, or have some me-time. Compliment them on their appearance, their strength, their parenting skills, etc. Listen to their feelings and concerns without judging or dismissing them.  Michigan Family Doulas is here to help with a lot of things too, let one of our certified postpartum doulas guide you through this period!
• Be patient and understanding. The postpartum period can be a roller coaster of emotions for both of you. You might feel overwhelmed, anxious, depressed, or resentful at times. Your partner might experience mood swings, irritability, sadness, or anger. Don’t take it personally or lash out at them. Try to communicate calmly and honestly about your feelings and needs. Seek professional help if you or your partner show signs of postpartum depression or anxiety.
• Find your #doulanearme right here at MFD! Inquire about a consultation with us before you ever give birth, so you have a solid plan in place for everyone in your household to recover.