Tips & Info for Birth Partners

Bylittleseedsclasses@gmail.com

I have had the joy and honour of being a birth partner at the births of three of my grandchildren. I have also been alongside hundreds of birth partners over the years!

Here are a few thoughts to help you be a good support and to help you feel at your best.

  • Keep yourself fuelled and hydrated!

PCH & HH: Whilst the wards have facilities for making yourself a drink and getting snacks, when your partner is in labour you will only have access to a cold-water dispenser.

KGH: On the Labour Ward there is a ‘Day Room’ with chairs and tea/coffee available

NGH – Barrett Birth Centre – each birthing room has a little kitchen area with a kettle, fridge, milk, refreshments. Labour Ward – no access for refreshments

Tip! 💡

Have your own bag with your favourite snacks and some drinks

  • Get rest when you can!

PCH & HH: Have one reclining armchair for birth partners. Second birth partner has a standard chair. There is also a small stool on wheels – brilliant for moving around your partner and being close.

NGH Barrett Birth Centre: fold-down double bed – for in labour and after the birth. Labour Ward – normal chair, as the rooms are small.

KGH: Reclining chairs in birthing rooms

  • Stay comfortable!

The birthing rooms are hot, kept at 25-26 degrees C.

Tip! 💡

Wear cool cotton clothing, such as shorts and t-shirt. Bring a change of clothes with you, plus some basic toiletries. You will have access to a toilet, but no showering facilities for you.

PCH: MLBU – windows open. Delivery Suite – windows do not open

HH – tends to be a bit cooler

NGH – Labour Ward rooms have air conditioning. BBC: no A/C but windows open.

Tip!  💡

A fan is useful – rechargeable ideal. A face cloth that you can wet with cool water is brilliant for a hot brow. Another idea is water mist that you can spray on face, arms, etc.

  • Create an oxytocin rich environment!

Whether it be a high-tech delivery room, theatre or birth room with a couch and bean bags – little things make a positive difference. Our local hospitals have a variety of special effect lights, so remember that whenever possible turn off the bright lights and put down the blinds.

Whilst you can play music on your mobile, it’s worth considering bringing in your own Bluetooth speaker. Our local hospitals have some old CD players but the choice of music for these is limited.

PCH and HH have TVs in the birthing rooms.

Think about what you and your birthing partner can see, hear, smell, and feel. They have an impact on how you experience the birth of your baby.