Childbirth Education and Labor Support for Expectant Families
Tracey Hartley, c.2002
Click Here for the Low-Down on Laboring at Home
• If labor begins at night and she is not in a lot of pain, help her back to
sleep with a soothing massage.
•If labor begins during the day, take her to a place you both love where you can get used to
labor together. This could be a park or a comfortable room in your home. Enjoy your last
moments together before your family size increases.
•Help her to remember to drink plenty of water or juice and to eat small meals as long as
possible; prepare (or buy) her favorite foods.
•Take responsibility for seeing that the bags are packed and the baby's carseat is properly
installed in your car.
•Take a shower and wear something she likes -- no aftershave, please.
•Keep in close, relaxed physical contact with her.
•As labor progresses, help her relax by encouraging her to let her body relax. Stroke her
gently to reassure her.
•Breathe with her if she starts to panic. Help her to regain her control.
•Encourage her to labor in the shower or bath
•Using circular motions, massage around her tail bone and hips
•Don’t time every contraction—pay attention to the ebb and flow of her labor, and time and
record contractions for 4 contractions once every two or three hours
•Time contractions from the beginning of one to the beginning of the next—be sure to have
her tell you right when she feels one coming on
•If the intensity and quality of the contractions change drastically, call your provider
•If you have any questions, do not hesitate to call your provider or hospital where you will be
delivering—they are used to calls and expect them
•If there is any green or brown liquid leaking or gushing call your provider immediately
•If there is any bright red blood call 911 immediately (there may be blood in the mucus plug
which looks either brown or pink or red and stringy in small amounts which is not a problem—
the type of blood to be concerned about is if it looks as if she is just bleeding like from a cut
or wound)
•Labor usually takes quite a long time. When contractions start, you will most likely have
many hours before you need to go to the hospital. Stay calm, enjoy this time and make it fun
for your partner—these are your last moments with just the two of you—talk about how great
she is going to do and how much you believe in her.
•Build up her confidence by watching and listening to her when she has contractions,
encouraging and supporting her. Ask her inbetween contractions what you can do to help.
•Trust yourself. Even if your house was full of doctors, nurses and midwives, no one there
could love her as much as you. No one can comfort and strengthen her emotionally as
much as you. This is your day to become a father and to help your wife labor and deliver.
Click Here for the Low-Down on Laboring at Home
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