Find good help for your labor

A Family Begins

As you start getting ready for the birth of your baby you'll wonder what labor will be like. In class we'll talk about the physical and emotional process. You'll also begin looking around to find people to help you. This is a very important decision. Who you have with you at birth will make a huge impact on how you experience labor and birth. You'll first look to your husband or partner. In our culture a woman's husband or the father of the baby is considered a logical helper in labor. But, keep in mind that most men have never been at a birth. Most male partners are as unsure of how to help as you are. The prospect of being a helper at the birth of a child is totally foreign most men. They do offer the most important element, he loves you and this is his baby too. As long as he is willing to offer encouragement, love you, offer help as you ask for it, he can easily be good support for you. I find most fathers are eager to learn how to help at the birth of their child and are surprised that they can offer the mother lots of support. In class we concentrate on the dads role at birth. Partners can check out this article on labor support on the Lamaze website. Tips for Labor Partners.

Most fathers-to-be are excited and willing to help in labor. Some partners are uncomfortable in a hospital or just not interested in helping. You might feel that this means they don't love you enough. Try and understand that this might be a very uncomfortable thing for him and realize that it doesn't mean he won't be a good father or partner in your life. If you feel like your partner may not offer you as much help in labor as you need you could ask a friend or female relative. Your team of helpers needs to be completely available to you during your labor. Be sure and ask your helpers to join you at childbirth class. They will learn a lot about labor support. You can also get a book on birth and labor support for either your partner or whoever you choose to help in labor. Some good choices are:

The Birth Partner, Third Edition: A Complet...
by Penny Simkin
The Official Lamaze Guide: Giving Birth wit...
by Judith Lothian
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The...
by Penny Simkin
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth
by Henci Goer
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth
by Ina May Gaskin

A doula is another helpful person for labor. A doula is a woman trained to offer professional labor support. Studies have shown that hiring a doula, can reduce the risk of interventions, cesareans and need for pain medication, and women report more satisfaction with their birth experience. To find out more about doulas go to the Lamaze website and magazine. In our community you can contact the Palouse Area Doulas. They offer a "meet the doula nights" every second Monday of the month at 7pm. You'll need to contact the organization to find out the location.

You will always remember the birth of your baby. Take time to search for the best support team you can find.