How to Support Someone in Labour
This blog post was written by Dr. Jan Ooi, a Family Physician and Low Risk Obstetrics Provider. (3 min read)
To write this post and her list of coping strategies, Dr. Ooi drew on her 20+ years of experience caring for hundreds of women and their support people during their labours. She loves to witness the interactions between family members and friends as a woman progresses through labour, and hopes that these tips will be helpful to those who are preparing for childbirth. Click here and here to learn more about Dr. Ooi and the prenatal care that she offers at Ensemble Healthcare.
THE EVIDENCE ABOUT SUPPORT IN LABOUR
While women understandably feel nervous in anticipation of labour, their partners and support people may also experience anxiety as they wonder how best to comfort their loved one. They might be surprised to learn that the evidence shows that continuous support in labour has been linked to several positive outcomes, including:
A greater likelihood of having a spontaneous vaginal birth
Women being less likely to report negative feelings about their childbirth experience
A lower probability of using analgesic medications in labour
Shorter labour durations, and
Fewer babies having a low 5-minute Apgar score
FIVE TIPS FOR BIRTH PARTNERS AND SUPPORT PEOPLE
Tip #1: Know That You Are An Important Member of the Support Team
The pressure is not all on a woman’s family and friends. The continuous support that women in labour need can come from many different people, who each have their role to play. In Calgary, one-on-one nursing support is the standard of care, and our patients benefit from the expertise, knowledge and experience of our amazing nurses. Some families choose to hire a doula, perhaps because they are aware of the evidence that demonstrates ‘benefit from continuous support from a person who is present solely to provide support, is not a member of the woman's own network, is experienced in providing labour support, and has at least a modest amount of training’. Last, but definitely not least, most women will have one or two chosen family members or friends accompanying them during labour.
Tip #2: Stay Nearby - The Labouring Woman Will Benefit From You Being At Her Side
In my experience, support people often demonstrate great respect for hospital staff and may apologize for feeling ‘in the way’ as nurses and doctors provide care. In our hospital, with the monitors and a computer station to the left of the patient when they are lying in bed, the best place for a support person to be is on the patient’s right. Partners, friends, and family members will often move away from that position as I approach the patient when it is time for an assessment. I virtually always encourage them to stay put - while I have my job to do, the support person is a vital part of my patient’s experience, and their presence has a direct impact on labour outcomes.
Tip #3: Keep It Personal - Stories, Memories or Jokes Can Be Excellent Distraction Tools
I am keenly aware of the effect that my communication style, both verbal and non-verbal, can have on my patients and their families. However, I always look for ways to leverage the comfort and support that women feel from the presence of their chosen support people. In fact, one of the best parts of my job is witnessing the interaction between my labouring patients and their loved ones. Labour and delivery is such an intense experience, and seeing the unique ways that family and friends offer support is often surprising, heart-warming and inspiring. One of my favourite memories was watching a husband talk to his partner to calm and ground her during a difficult phase of her labour. The couple were avid golfers, and he spontaneously started describing a memorable game they had played. She closed her eyes and I could tell that she was focusing her energy on visualizing the weather, the course, and their shots (both successful, and not) as he described them. While women have very intense memories from their labours, they (thankfully) tend to forget a lot of the details. I’ve always wondered how much of that precious moment during her labour she remembers.
Tip #4: Make a List - Be Prepared With Different Strategies to Distract and Calm Your Loved One As They Move Through Labour
I think it can be helpful to have a list of ideas and strategies to manage during labour; this can help calm some of the anxiety for both the pregnant woman, as well as her support team. Often, a particular strategy will be effective at some points in labour, and not at others. In fact, finding that a distraction technique is no longer working can be a good sign that labour is progressing from the early to active stage - which can be both distressing and encouraging! Having a list to refer to can give support people something to refer to when a new strategy is needed. As a starting point, here is my list of strategies. Feel free to print it and add your own ideas.
Tip #5: Remember To Take Care of Yourself
This is an intense experience for you as well. While everyone is focusing on caring for the labouring woman, make sure you are eating, drinking, stretching, taking bathroom breaks, and asking questions. The hospital team is there to support your whole family through labour.
