Being a birth partner is an honor, privilege, and responsibility. But how can you be the best and support the mother wholly? Read on to learn more.
When it’s time to prepare for a new baby, there are many transformations a mother will go through. But as the designated birth partner, you have a responsibility to her and the process. Here, we discuss some of the best strategies to help you become a good birth partner. Let’s take a look!
Attend Educational Courses Together
In addition to conducting your own research, attending educational courses with the mother is advantageous. Sometimes, just being at the mother’s side benefits the bonding process. But through attending classes together, you can gain more understanding of what the mother is experiencing and learn a few things about what to expect later in the process.
Education courses often help prepare mothers and partners for labor and delivery prep, breastfeeding, postpartum expectations, and support through a group. You can support the community and the family dynamics by being firm in attending these courses.
Conduct Individual Research
The mother may have a series of wishes and medical demands, and it’s advantageous for the birth partner to pay attention to these scenarios and conduct individual research. This way, you feel confident about her process and can offer unconditional support in times of need.
Birth by itself is unpredictable and full of adrenaline. Still, if you can go into labor and delivery as a well-versed, united front, you can navigate any outcome with a more positive outlook.
Ask the Mother About Her Needs Beforehand
Many pregnant mamas already know some of their immediate needs and wishes, so go ahead and ask her what they are. Not only is this an opportunity to connect to the experience as an outsider, but it’s a chance to step up and nurture the mother.
Pregnancy, labor, and childbirth can change a woman from the inside out. So you are setting her and the partnership up for success by being willing to help meet her needs in other ways.
Prepare Meals and Kits
Easily one of the most effective ways to be an excellent birth partner is spending some time preparing for the postpartum phase. In the last month before delivery, the mother will spend a lot of time nesting or resting. You can support both these processes by tackling freezer meals and postpartum recovery kits that will help the family dynamics enter a well-nourished healing phase during postpartum.
Co-Create a Calm Atmosphere
A part of the birth partner’s ability to remain calm and co-create a calming atmosphere will stem from their ability to educate themselves on what to expect. But outside that, staying the voice of reason and affirming the mother of her process can ensure a calm, tranquil environment.
Adrenaline is pumping, anxiety is running high, and the medical team may panic about various situations. If you can maintain a level of certainty and clarity for the mother, you will do her a world of good and make the process much easier for her. Whether you’re a birth partner by choice or fate, the role is significant in a mother and baby’s life. Consider this a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity since you never know what the future holds, and prepare yourself accordingly.