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As an expectant mother/birthing person, having a supportive birth partner can make all the difference during a hospital birth. In fact, studies show that having a supportive birth partner can lead to better birth outcomes, including shorter labour, less need for pain medication, and higher satisfaction with the birth experience.

However, many birth partners may not fully understand their role during a hospital birth. In this blog post, we will discuss some key things that birth partners need to know about hospital births to provide better support to the mother/birthing person and promote a positive birth experience.

The Benefits of Having a Birth Partner Present

Statistics show that having a birth partner present during labor and birth can lead to better birth outcomes. Approximately 96% of expectant parents in the UK choose to have a birth partner present during labour and birth. Research has shown that having a birth partner present can:

  • Reduce the need for pain medication
  • Shorten the duration of labour
  • Increase the likelihood of an unassisted vaginal birth
  • Improve the mother/birthing person’s satisfaction with the birth experience

Understanding the Stages of Labour

Knowing what to expect during the different stages of labour can help birth partners provide better support to the mother/birthing person. Although this is covered in a lot more detail in antenatal classes, a brief summary of the three main stages of labour is outlined below:

1. First Stage of Labour; This stage can be divided into two phases: early labour and active labour.

  • Early labour: This phase can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days. During early labour, the cervix begins to soften, thin out (efface), and open (dilate) to prepare for delivery. Contractions become longer, stronger, and more regular, but they may be mild enough that the mother/birthing person can still talk and move around. Some women/birthing people may experience backache or menstrual-like cramps during this phase. The mother/birthing person may also experience some vaginal discharge, which may be clear, pink, or bloody.
  • Active labour:  During this phase, contractions become stronger, longer, and more frequent. The mother may also experience an increased urge to push or bear down. This phase typically lasts anywhere from 3-8 hours.

2. Second Stage of Labour: This stage begins once the mother’s cervix is fully dilated and ends with the birth of the baby. The length of this stage can vary, but it usually lasts anywhere from around 20 minutes to 2 hours.

3. Third Stage of Labour: This stage begins after the baby is born and ends with the delivery of the placenta. During this stage, the uterus continues to contract to help expel the placenta. This stage usually lasts anywhere from 5-30 minutes (this can be physiological or actively managed).

Early labour is typically the longest stage of labour. During early labour, the mother should try to rest and stay hydrated. She can also use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, visualisation, or taking a warm bath or shower, to help manage any discomfort. The birth partner can provide emotional support, encouragement, and physical comfort measures, such as massage or changing positions. It’s important to note that every woman’s labour is different, and the length and progression of each stage can vary.

Advocating for the Mother/birthing person

Birth partners can play a crucial role in advocating for the mother’s wishes and preferences during the birth process. This can include:

  • Communicating with healthcare providers to ensure that the mother’/birthing person’s birth preferences are followed as closely as possible
  • Asking questions about any interventions or procedures to ensure that the mother/birthing person is fully informed
  • Providing reassurance and emotional support during difficult or stressful moments

Promoting Oxytocin

Oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” is crucial during labour and birth. It helps to stimulate contractions and promotes feelings of calm and bonding between the mother/birthing person and baby. Birth partners can help increase oxytocin levels by:

  • Providing physical and emotional support, such as massages and encouraging words
  • Creating a calm and supportive environment for the mother/birthing person and baby
  • Encouraging the mother/birthing person to use relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing and visualisation

Conclusion

Birth partners can play a vital role in supporting the mother/birthing person during a hospital birth. By understanding the different stages of labour, advocating for the mother’s wishes, promoting oxytocin, and being an emotional and physical support, birth partners can provide essential support that can lead to better birth outcomes and a positive birth experience.

Remember that giving birth can be a challenging and emotional experience for the mother/birthing person, and having a supportive birth partner can make all the difference. So, if you’re a birth partner, remember to be there for the mother/birthing person, provide reassurance, and promote oxytocin to help create a calm and supportive environment for both mother/birthing person and baby. By working together, you can help ensure a positive and empowering birth experience for everyone involved.

Frequently asked questions:

  1. What is a birth partner, and what is their role during a hospital birth? A birth partner is someone who supports the mother/birthing person during labour and birth. Their role can include providing physical and emotional support, advocating for the mother/birthing person’s wishes and preferences, and helping with pain relief.
  2. How can a birth partner help promote oxytocin during a hospital birth? Oxytocin, also known as the “love hormone,” is crucial during labour and birth. Birth partners can help promote oxytocin by providing physical and emotional support, creating a calm and supportive environment, and encouraging the mother/birthing person to use relaxation techniques.
  3. Can birth partners be present during a caesarean birth? In most cases, birth partners are allowed to be present during a caesarean birth. However, this can depend on the mother/birthing person’s personal situation. Birth partners can still play a vital role during a caesarean birth so it’s important to be present if possible.
  4. How can birth partners prepare for a hospital birth? Birth partners can prepare for a hospital birth by attending antenatal classes with the mother/birthing person, familiarising themselves with the hospital’s policies and procedures and parking! and discussing the mother/birthing person’s birth preferences and wishes. They can also help with packing the hospital bag to make sure they can find everything when needed and make arrangements for any childcare or other responsibilities while the mother is in labour.