While such an experience is one of the most memorable occurrences in life, the birthing process is a precious experience to share for many couples who are expecting their first child. The other partner serves as an emotional and physical support to the pregnant partner when she undergoes the physical parts of labor and delivery. Such involvement actually makes the link between the couple stronger by building a supportive and reassuring environment during labor and delivery.
Whether he is an eager participant or a reluctant one, there are just so many ways in which he can feel involved, confident, and empowered in his role. And so, let's explore these strategies that can be practically applied in the pre-conception period, before birth, and after delivery.
1. Prepare Together in Pregnancy
Actually, active involvement starts even before labor sets in. Pregnancy is the period meant for both partners to learn, prepare together for arrival, and support each other.
2. Attend antenatal classes
Antenatal classes is a good way for both you and your partner to prepare for the birthing process. Such classes provide really useful information about labour and pain management techniques, as well as what to expect during delivery. You will go together to make sure that your partner understands his role. Well-prepared partners about birth will easily find themselves much more confident and involved with their partner in the delivery room.
3. Birth Plan Discussions
Create your birth plan as a couple outlining your wishes about pain relief, birthing positions, and any other special requests you might have for the birth environment-for example, dim lighting, or preference for certain music. This will help your partner understand what you want and be able to advocate for you in discussions with healthcare providers.
4. Attend antenatal appointments
Schedule some prenatal appointments with your partner. Not only will you become aware of the baby’s development, but going for the prenatal appointments enables to hear the baby’s heartbeat and discuss all concerns your partner may have about pregnancy. Your partner will end up being highly connected to this whole experience of pregnancy and better prepared for delivery.
Developing a Supportive Role for Labor and Delivery
There are various ways your partner can help out physically during labor:
Massage: Some discomfort and tension from contractions can be relieved by a gentle back, shoulder, or foot massage.
Positioning: Your partner will be really helpful in finding the best birthing positions. Whether sitting, standing or lying down, your partner can help you physically by holding your hand or helping you move into new positions as needed.
Breathing: When the contractions are strong, you may forget to breathe. Your partner will remind you to breathe and be with you as you catch your breath with each contraction.
Emotional Support
Labor is the journey of emotions. Here is how your mate may emotionally support you:
Reassurance: Sometimes one needs words of encouragement to keep going on.
Calmness: Labor is unpredictable. But it's very helpful if you have a cool-headed partner by your side.
Advocacy: Sometimes, your partner will act as an advocate for you in communicating your preferences to the health care providers. If you want epidural augmentation or a birthing position, your partner may ensure such preferences are respected during your delivery.
Hands-on Activities
Some want to hold the babies, perhaps be involved more with the delivery. Talk beforehand if your partner wants to:
Cut the cord: It's in many ways a symbolic gesture. It lets couples be directly involved with childbirth.
Help with the delivery: Sometimes, the partner will be able to assist in catching the baby as they are born under the supervision of a healthcare provider.
Offer skin-to-skin contact: Most mothers are encouraged to initiate immediate skin-to-skin contact, and this can also be arranged for the partner. Holding the baby against the chest can warm them up and facilitate bonding, especially when the mother needs rest or has further procedures.
Post-Natal Engagement: Attachment and Care
Once the baby is born, a father can remain active in the creation of a relationship with the newborn and support postpartum recovery for the mother.
Skin-to-Skin Contact
Skin contact by both parents is helpful after the baby is born. Ask your partner to hold the baby close to their chest some time after the delivery. The practice helps retain the balance of body temperature, heart rate, and breathing of the baby while creating an emotional bonding.
Nutrition Care
If you are breastfeeding, then your partner can make the experience better by comforting you and offering water and snacks to you. Moreover, he can create a quiet atmosphere. If you plan on bottle feeding, then your spouse can feed your baby sometimes, and that will really help you to relax and enjoy bonding time with your baby.
Real Support
Labour and delivery are very tiring for a mother's body, and a partner can be the most convenient source of support right after delivery. This may include:
- Diaper change
- Wrap and Comfort the Baby
- Visitor Management
- Children's Class Responsibilities
Thus, these responsibilities shared with your partner would make sure you get some time off for rest and recovery.
Emotional Involvement and Communication
You should discuss your feelings and perceptions with your partner concerning labor, delivery, and postpartum, so you both are on the same page. Labor is likely to be a pretty scary experience for you and your partner. Encourage your partner to express anxieties he or she may have over the birth and reassure them. Share your hopes and expectations with your partner on how you would like them to support you. Talking about your feelings will make you feel better.
Remaining Connected After Birth
Take some time together and discuss how each of you feels. Your partner is part of your life after labor, not so much as a temporary support and care, but also in this regard as a natural partnership in entering parenthood.
Join post-birth follow-ups together
Attend the postnatal appointments together — be it the baby's checkup or your follow-up postpartum. This will keep your partner involved in the care process. In fact, these appointments will give you room to have questions and track the development of the baby to alleviate any concerns you might have about the postpartum.
Reviewed by
Dr. Swaparnika S N - Consultant - Reproductive Medicine, Milann - Sarjapur.
