Ask anyone who has given birth before and I am sure that they will tell you that labor is not fun or easy! As much as you may not want to admit it, you need and depend on the support of others during labor. Of course, you will have doctors and nurses around, but you need people who know and love you there with you as well. As you begin to think about your upcoming labor and delivery, have you thought about who you’d like there with you? Who would make a good support person?

Of course, you have doctors and nurses available when needed while in the hospital, but having someone who knows you, someone whose main purpose in being there is to provide you with support is a wise idea. Your labor support person (sometimes also referred to as a “labor coach”) is there to provide emotional and physical support during your labor and delivery process. You should choose someone you trust and someone you feel comfortable bearing it all with.

Some expectant moms considering adoption may choose the prospective adoptive mother as a support person. While this is totally your choice, many in the adoption community feel that this creates a sense of entitlement or obligation on your part; feeling like you “owe” the prospective adoptive parents your baby if you should so happen to change your mind. Who you choose is obviously your decision, but that is definitely something to keep in mind.

If you are still in touch with or still in a relationship with your baby’s father, you may wish to have him there as your support person. A close friend, sister, mother, or other family member may also be a possibility.

Some of the things your labor support person can do for you are:

• Help you change positions



• Talk you through contractions



• Help you focus



• Offer you ice chips or water



• Play soft music and lower the lights



• Help keep you comfortable with a cool washcloth on your forehead



• Encourage you



• 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 think of who you would like as your support person and go ahead and ask them so they can be on standby waiting for your call. It’s also a good idea to have a back up support person just in case your first choice can not make it for some reason.


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Related Posts:
Making a birth plan
Childbirth Education Classes