When a working woman has an epidural, the mood may be less intense. If her painkillers have completely removed the pain, then she rests or maybe in a dark room. As always, take stock of the atmosphere. Adapt. But what she needs from her partner are the simplest and shortest words of encouragement possible. Phrases like: I`m proud of you. You are so beautiful. I love you. I believe in you. These are short and simple – but they will give him the boost he needs more than anything else. Will your best friend give birth soon and ask you to come? Does your daughter want you to be there during her birth? Maybe you are a partner of a pregnant woman and want to know how you can best support her. Many partners find it difficult to see their partners suffer.
They are quick to give their partner a slight discharge, epidural anesthesia, medication, everything to bypass the process. And if that`s what your daughter wants, do it. But understand that some women don`t want this to be their first solution. – A few words that don`t work so well during work: “Relax,” “Breathe” (These direct suggestions just don`t work. They are loaded with connotations in our society.) Say them in a roundabout way – “Use long, slow breaths.” “Soften your face.” etc. Again, now is the time to pay attention to what seems to be working. Some women really appreciate the energy of support. Some just want to concentrate calmly.
You can always ask him between contractions if verbal encouragement helps. What you can do: Help her stay calm, focused, and breathe during labor. Often, this feeling passes quickly as she gets used to the new intensity. Remind her that she can do anything for a minute and that she has breaks between each contraction. “You are like _______ (whatever you notice she is fine) A word of warning: Don`t look back at the path you`ve traveled. This may seem overwhelming to someone on the job. Just a little taste of what awaits you: tonight, you`re going to cuddle your new baby! Having participated in many deliveries, it`s safe to say that as midwives and doulas, we`ve heard just about everything you can imagine from the beautiful, hard-working women in front of us. These are instinctive and common things that you can say in the midst of this moment of transformation in your life. Of course, we sometimes think, “Wow, I`ve never heard this before!” But in general, here are the words and phrases we hear most often as obstetricians, as well as tips on what it can mean and what partners can do in response! Sometimes working women have fears, including the question of what kind of mother they will be. If this worries him, ask in advance what his specific anxiety is and use a confirmation to relieve this anxiety.
An example could be the worry that she doesn`t know what to do: you and your baby will work together to learn what the other person needs. This article will help you with ideas on what to say to a woman in labor, but I also recommend reading my other article, 10 best tips for an untrained obstetrician. It lists the most important steps for effective birth support if you have not completed your formal education and want to be the best possible support person. I really try to be the way I encourage you. I always try to balance my breathing with it. I can exaggerate that breath for her to hear – she can keep it grounded in her rhythm. I may need to remind him several times through multiple contractions to stay breathing. Thinking of work as a whole process can be exhausting, especially if you`re there.
When a working mother is struggling with work or seems overwhelmed, it can be helpful to remind her to take things one contraction at a time, rather than feeling like there`s still a long way to go. I don`t have any easy contractions or transitions. Don`t push either. It is a great festival of torture. Of course, this misunderstanding makes sense! In our culture, we include birth in an ivory tower. In my birth classes, one of the first questions I ask is, “Has anyone ever been present during labour or delivery?” This is a rare case that someone has. So yes, most people don`t know what to expect or how to be during a birth. We`ve never seen it before. When you enter active labor, contractions begin to demand more (from her, maybe from you).
Now she probably has to move, change position, even rely on people. Follow his example here too. Silence through contractions is like gold. She already has enough stimuli IN her body – more can scare her. What you can do: Don`t worry; it`s normal! This doesn`t mean she has a fever (but don`t hesitate to ask your provider if you`re worried). Go with what she needs for now. Heated rice sock? Examine! Ice washcloths? No problem, baby! Does the heat need to be increased when it is already 80 degrees outside? All right! If you`re not sure if you`re at real work or in bad work, call your doctor. Sometimes checking the cervix and monitoring contractions is the only way your doctor can tell for sure.
I don`t want to do that anymore (during the transition) with big greasy tears rolling down my cheeks!! My pet and my birth companion (nurse and mother of 4 children) offered to bring me shoes for shopping, to which I replied yes. Followed by a few contractions later by I think I need to push. Thanks to you, this birth experience will be special for your partner and can be a good start for your child. Thank you for watching what to say to a woman in labor. This sentence brings a touch of support without too much pressure. .