Labor Support- Remember This

A Labor Support Person: Who Are They?

A person who stays with a woman during labor to offer ongoing emotional, mental, and physical support is known as a labor support person. This individual assists her in maintaining her comfort, gives her confidence during the birthing process, and reassures her that everything is healthy, normal, and natural.

A labor support worker may be:

• A spouse or partner.
• A family member.
• A close friend.
• A doula or birth companion with training.

Their presence has the potential to significantly alter a woman’s labor experience

Why Is Labor Support Important?

Labor is an intense and transformative experience. Having someone calm, present, and reassuring can significantly improve a woman’s comfort and confidence during childbirth.

Strong labor support can:

• Reduce fear and anxiety.
• Help the body relax and open naturally.
• Encourage smoother labor progress.
• Reduce the need for unnecessary medical interventions.
• Create a more positive birth experience.

Birth is not meant to be done alone—support turns labor into teamwork.

What Can a Labor Support Person Do?

A labor support person plays many roles during childbirth—comforter, encourager, observer, and anchor of calm. Below are practical and effective ways a labor support person can help.

How Can a Labor Support Person Help During Labor?

1. Stay calm, cheerful, and consoling: –

To offer her that strength, maintain your composure and ease. Seeing someone you care about suffer can be emotionally taxing, yet your composed demeanor comforts and encourages her.

2. Apply Cold or Warm Water Treatment: –
Depending on the season and her degree of comfort:
For a calming therapy, apply warm water to the vaginal area or lower back. Use a handkerchief or rag dipped in either warm or cold water to cover the nipples or forehead. Water therapy can ease discomfort and relax muscles.

3. Guide Deep Breathing: –
Encourage slow, deep breathing during contractions. Breathing together with gentle eye contact can:
• Reduce pain perception.
• Calm the nervous system.
• Boost her confidence and self-belief.

4. Encourage Regular Bathroom Use: –
Remind her to use the washroom frequently. If possible:
• Pour warm water over the vaginal area and lower back while she uses the toilet.
• Assist her if needed
This helps relax lower pelvic muscles, supports baby’s descent, and may increase cervical opening.

5. Play Soothing Music: –
Play music that she enjoys—soft, spiritual, instrumental, or melodious. Music acts as a natural distraction and helps maintain a calm environment.

6. Encourage Fluids and Light Food (If Medically Allowed): –
Offer water, coconut water, or other permitted fluids. Small snacks, if permitted, can help:

• Preserve energy levels;
• Avoid dehydration;
• Lessen fatigue

 7. Encourage Shifting Positions and Movements: –

Encourage her to continue shifting positions, such as walking, swaying, squatting or duck walking, and hip rotations, unless there are medical restrictions. Movement can shorten labor and aid in the baby’s quicker descent.

8. Make use of affirmations and positive language: –
Use words of encouragement frequently, such as “You’re doing terrific.”
• “Your body is aware of what to do.”
• “The baby gets closer with each contraction.”
Her best emotional assistance may come from encouragement and assurance.

9. Give a little massage: –

Gently massage your neck, shoulders, and lower back.
Massage enhances circulation, encourages relaxation, and helps divert attention from discomfort.

10. Help Her Relax and Smile: –
Make her smile whenever possible—with gentle humor, kind words, or loving presence. Relaxation supports faster cervical opening. A relaxed body opens better than a tense one.

11. Observe Contraction Patterns: –
Gently observe:
• intensity of contractions
• duration (count how many seconds each contraction lasts)
• frequency (how often they return)
This information can be helpful for caregivers and helps you stay actively involved.

Remember: Birth Is Teamwork: –
A strong labor support system turns childbirth into teamwork. When a woman feels supported, respected, and understood, she feels stronger—and her body responds better.
A supported woman labors with more confidence and less fear.

We’re Here to Support You: –
If you feel you need guidance, preparation, or emotional support during pregnancy or labor, do let us know.  We would be honored to play a supportive role in your birthing journey.

A stronger body supports a calmer, more confident birthing experience.

1. Pregnancy Fitness Classes – Get Stronger & Fitter with Shrreya Shah

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2. 100 Days Discovering Womb Life- (1st & 2nd Trimester) Garbhasanskar & Ancient Therapies

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Watch these videos to feel more prepared and at ease during labor…

1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QrZiFC4U6c&pp=0gcJCSkKAYcqIYzv
2. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l9Gl-o6HkeI
3. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cmLiDuU4Vh0&pp=0gcJCSkKAYcqIYzv
4. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SfMAnlBOzkA
5. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHaUsbtSjVw
6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17dseWvLIv0
7. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZAFmQ_bPylI