5 ways partners can support mum?

✨️ How can partners support mum?

Physical and emotional support are only half the job of a support person. The other role is to set up the birthing space. Send this to your support person so they know what to do on the day

🌻1. Aromatherapy
Bring oils to the birth that bring mum to a space of calmness, think lavender, jasmine or rose. Research shows this may help to reduce anxiety, pain and shorten the duration of labour.
*your partner may be very sensitive to smells or fast changes. I recommend putting in a ziplock bag so it can be put away if necessary.

🎵2. Music
Prepare a birth playlist and you are the DJ on the day. She does not want to be thinking about which song to play next. This may be her favourite music, some nature sounds or favourite quran recitor. Whatever it is make sure your device is charged and your playlist is ready before the day.

🌞3. Lighting
Bright lights of a hospital can often reduce oxytocin and increase your cortisol, slowing down labour! Ask at your prenatal appointments whether the birthing room lights are able to be dimmed. Bring with you some lamps, fairy lights or anything to create a warm space. Consider starting sunglasses or an eye mask on the trip to the hospital to keep that natural oxytocin flowing.

🛏4. Room set up
Ensure the room is set up to be comfortable for mum. How is she managing pain? Does the space need to be clear for her to walk, dance, sway and keep active. Does the room need a chair to kneel over, a birthing ball with some knee support. Is mum having an epidural and need a peanut ball and maybe a comforting pillow from home.

💂‍♀️5. You are the guard
You are the protector, the barrier between the 100 questions and mum. Learn and get involved in the birth plan, so when hospital times comes mum can focus on birthing the baby and you are able to confidently communicate your needs to the hospital.

What other ways can you think of that help to support mum during labour?