Unplanned Pregnancy, Expectant Parent Blog - Hospital Series: Labor Support Person

07/17/07

Hospital Series: Labor Support Person

Posted by : Coley S. in Crisis Pregnancy Blog at 07:09 am , 302 words, 149 views
Categories: Preparing for Hospital Stay/Labor

You will need a labor coach or labor support person (sometimes called a labor coach) there with you to assist you and cheer you on during the labor and delivery process. Have you given any thought to who you might choose?

Your labor support person’s role is to provide emotional support and physical support during the labor and delivery. You should choose someone you trust and someone you feel comfortable bearing it all with.
If you are still involved with your baby’s father, then he may be an obvious choice for a support person. But if you are not comfortable with having him there with you, then a close friend, mother, aunt, sister, or another family member may also be a good choice.

Below are some of the things your support person can do for you.

Help you change positions

Help you focus, find your rhythm, and talk you through contractions

SPONSOR

Offer you ice chips or water

Play soft music and lower the lights

Help keep you comfortable with a cool washcloth on your forehead

Cheer you on

Make phone calls or notify other loved ones who may be waiting at the hospital of your progression and condition

Take pictures or video the labor and delivery if you so desire

It’s wise to go ahead and think of who you feel most comfortable with playing the role of your labor support person and go ahead and ask them in advance so that they can be on standby and ready for “the call” that you are in labor. You may also wish to have a backup labor support person just incase, for some reason; your first choice can not make it in time. It’s always better to be prepared with a back up!

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Related Posts:
Hospital Series Introduction

4 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: Jenna Hatfield [Member]

· http://birthparents.adoptionblogs.com/

My best friend and my Mom were in the labor room with me. (As were the adoptive parents but they were not my support people and I encourage expectant mothers considering adoption NOT to rely on the potential family as a labor support group unless absolutely necessary.) They were great.

Permalink 07/17/07 @ 10:32

Comment from: Coley S. [Member]

· http://unplanned-pregnancy.adoptionblogs.com/

I encourage expectant mothers considering adoption NOT to rely on the potential family as a labor support group unless absolutely necessary

I agree Jenna!

Permalink 07/17/07 @ 12:20

Comment from: happygmom [Member]

I think that another very important responsibility for the labor coach is to demand respect for the mother from the hospital staff if necessary. Hospital staff can be extremely disrespecful of single mothers and a women in labor is in no condition to keep them in line. A trusted friend or family member is an invaluable advocate.

Janet

Permalink 07/17/07 @ 18:04

Comment from: Opalwench [Member]

· http://www.abarrelofnelsons.com/blog/

My now fiance (then boyfriend, also the birthdad) was my major labor support person, but my best friend (and her fiance) drove several hours to be with me and spelled Jeff so that he could remember to do stuff for himself (like eat.) Also when I first started pushing they worked together (and along with my awesome L&D nurse) to support me and encourage me.

Permalink 07/17/07 @ 20:48

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