Birth partners and birth support

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Birth partners and birth support

• By www.nct.org.uk

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• Most women like to have a birthing partner
  present with them when they give birth. Read more
  here about how a birth partner can support and
  encourage you during labour.

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• A birthing partner is someone who is on hand
  during the birth of your baby to give you
  anything you need encouraging words, sips of
  water or maybe a snack, or just a quiet,
  comforting presence. You may want to mention in
  your birth plan that you want a birthing partner,
  or birth supporter, to be present.

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Birth partners can also support you physically

• Massaging your shoulders (although during the
  birth, some women may decide they dont want to
  be touched).
• Helping you into positions that you have
  practiced in the lead-up to the birth.
• Reminding you to breathe slowly and calmly
  through contractions.

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Finding the right birth support

• Women do not always have one-to-one support from
  midwives who can give them continuous care during
  their pregnancy and birth. Birthing partners can
  be the constant presence which many women find
  invaluable during birth.