When I was pregnant with my first child, I wanted to do as much research as I possibly could. I read several books, although there were only a few that stood out and had helpful information. Below is the most important information that I wanted to remember going into giving birth.

Needs of a laboring woman

1. Darkness and solitude
2. Quiet, calm atmosphere
3. Physical comfort
4. Physical relaxation
5. Controlled breathing
6. Appearance of sleep, closed eyes

For the birth support person: Help set up #1 and 2, help maintain #3, and help remind the person giving birth of #4, 5, and 6

What happens during labor

Contractions…

• Push baby down
• Have an active period and rest period
• Timed to monitor progress
• Uterus is a bag of muscles squeezing baby out

• Cervix opens and eventually dilates to 10cm
• Baby moves through the pelvis
• Pushing stage
• May take position changes

Stages of labor

1. Active labor

• Contractions happening
• Longest part, most involved
• Could be 12+ hours

2. Pushing

• Birthing person will be doing the work
• Support person can help by being encouraging, helping with position changes, emotional support, being present

3. Placenta delivered

• Not much involvement from support person
• Baby is out

Active labor

1. Excitement

• Contractions happening on-and-off but don’t go away
• Able to talk, laugh, continue normal things
• Not time to go to the birth center yet
• Labor at home, go for a walk, distractions
• Important to get some rest, but also not just lay there and be bored
• Could take a few hours, could take a day or two
• Not much for support person to do besides reassurance and spend time together
• Get bags ready, maybe put them in the car
• Make arrangements for other children

2. Seriousness

• Contractions taking 100% focus, closer together
• Can’t answer questions, no desire for small talk
• Time to go to birth center when contractions are:

• Take an average of 5-6 contractions
• Most people go in early rather than late, just be approximate
• First children often take longer
• Go by feel of progress

Going to birth center

• Call when I think I’m in active labor
• Contractions are starting, not going away, excitement phase
• Gives them time to have someone there
• Call again when we think we should come in
• Helps them assess if I am far enough along
• Avoids us going there and being discouraged
• Once we are ready to go in:

3. Self doubt

• “I don’t know”/“I don’t think I can do this”
• Most work but shortest phase of active labor
• Signals the end of active labor, pushing will be coming soon (30 minutes – 2 hours)
• This phase needs the most encouragement, reassurance

Pushing

• Position changes may be helpful
• Give it everything you have
• Take direction from midwives if they recommend slowing pushing to avoid tearing
• Requires focus, minimize distractions

Placenta delivery

• Baby will be out
• Midwives will be monitoring for hemorrhage or if placenta is left inside
• Breastfeeding immediately will help reduce risks
• Likely will be delivered during skin-to-skin time
• Nothing support person can really do here

Role of support person

• Be present, reassuring
• Be smart about jokes made/don’t upset birthing person
• Back rubs
• Keep heating pad charged, other things being used
• Ice chips, water, keep birthing person hydrated in between contractions
• Wipe sweat
• Give praise, be encouraging, relay progress