Support and encouragement when you're in labour is important – and you may want
to share the special moments after the birth with someone you trust and love too.
Your partner may be the obvious choice, but it doesn't have to be him – and if he
can't, or doesn't want to be there, then it can easily be another person. Also,
you could have your partner and someone else as well.
There's some evidence that having another person with you, instead of, or as well
as your partner, is helpful to mothers, and can even shorten labour and make it
a better experience for you. You could have a close friend, a relative, or an antenatal
teacher.
You'll have health professionals looking after your care all the way through your
labour, and of course it's important to feel comfortable with them, and to trust
them. Sometimes, a birth partner is a great support in communicating what you need
or want to the health professionals, and just being there for you.
Think carefully about who you'd like to be with you. The person you choose needs
to be someone:
- you won't ever feel shy or embarrassed with – not just because they'll see bits
of you normally kept private, but also because when labour gets to be harder work
you might say things that sound irritated or even aggressive.
- who will be strong and calm all the way through. Talk over your plans for a partner
with the hospital beforehand, and ask the midwife to write them down in your notes.
That way, you can be sure whoever is on duty when you go into labour knows your
wishes.
