Family Birth Center > At The Hospital > Your Baby's Delivery > Ways Your Partner Can Help

Ways your partner can help during labor

Many fathers or other birth partners want to take an active part in the birth of the child. Partners can provide essential comfort and support in childbirth. Here are some ways your partner can help.

Provide support in early labor

• Play cards or watch TV with you
• Read aloud to you
• Go on short walks with you 

Set the atmosphere

• Control the room lighting
• Play music
• Control the room TV 
• Control the noise level
• Ask people to leave the room, if necessary

Remind you of your choices in comfort measures

• Ask if you would like a massage (hands, feet, back, head) 
• Ask if you would like hot or cold packs
• Ask if you would like to use a birthing ball
• Ask if you would like to use the shower or take a bath
• Remind you to empty your bladder hourly
• Bring you ice chips or something to drink
• Suggest position changes

Help you stay in control

• Remind you to start your breathing when contractions are hard enough to need them
• Provide encouragement and positive statements to strengthen you
• Time your contractions
• Help you change positions
• Breathe with you
• Block out distractions or help you focus on a pleasant distraction
• Take you through a visualization
• Be a good listener and empathize
• Validate your feelings

Take charge until you regain control

• Stay close by your side
• Remain calm
• Support and comfort
• Make eye contact with you
• Guide you in breathing and relaxation techniques
• Talk to you between contractions