Something I share with all my clients is very practical, specific ways your Birth Partner can support you.
Going into birth knowing they have the tools to help not only makes you feel more in control, but your birth partner too. You'll both be much more confident in your roles, and how you can support each other.
What I did for my husband Fe is have a revision card with bullet points of specific ways he can support me. Now you may roll your eyes and think "What a control freak!", but I had the last laugh.
I went into the room feeling fully prepared and in control, because I had not only prepared myself, mentally and physically, I had prepared my birthing environment and exactly what I wanted from those around me. And I encourage you to do the same!
So here it is, my top 6 ways Birth Partner can support the mother:
1) Remind mum to put the tip of her tongue behind her front upper teeth. Why? Because your jaw and your pelvis are connected... so doing this relaxed your jaw, which in turn, relaxes your pelvis. Winning!
2) If mum looks like she is losing focus in her relaxation, ask her to open her eyes. Tell her to look into your eyes, and then tell her to close her eyes again. This will help to send the mother into a deeper state of relaxation - when our eyes are comfortable and closed then our body is more relaxed.
3) Remind mum to go to the toilet. A full bladder can hinder cervix dilation, so emptying the bladder regularly can be very helpful. Plus, just sitting on the loo and the feeling of letting go can help the mother relax, and in turn things along.
4) In addition to the basic nurturing of fluids and snacks, Mum may have decided to have some glucose tablets to keep her energy high, or oral arnica to help her body recover. Both of these can be taken during labour. Birth partner can prompt and give them to mum, so she doesn't have to worry about it.
5) Soothing Strokes - by gently stroking the mum, or giving her a massage you are not only helping her to relax, but you are supporting the production of endorphins and oxytocin in mum's body. These hormones bring on surges and birth the baby as well as help the mum feel good, offering natural pain relief. That's right, natural pain relief. I suggest you practise some soothing strokes at home, so your birth partner knows what you prefer. You're aiming for a nice tingly sensation, so the lighter the touch the better. Although, having said that, it's not for everyone.
6) Gently ask the mum if she wants to change position. She may not want to, or perhaps she's so deep in concentration, she hadn't thought about it. Sometimes just changing position is all you need for things to go in your favour.
You learn all of these tips and more on my Hypnobirthing Course. For more information on all my upcoming courses, click here.
To get started on all that Relaxation how about downloading your FREE Relaxation MP3 to enjoy at home. All you have to do is sign up to The Birth Easy Club and you'll be the first to receive offers, news and all things bump and baby related.
I've got you!
Georgia x