The role of a birth support partner

A birth support partner is someone who stays with you throughout your labour and birth to provide emotional and physical support. Having someone with you for support during childbirth can offer many benefits to both you and your baby.

Supporting someone who is giving birth is a big responsibility and a privilege. If you have been asked to be a support partner, it's best to learn what to expect during labour and birth, as this will help you in your supportive role.

It's up to you to decide who will be your support partner. You might choose:

• your partner
• a friend
• a parent, sibling or other relative
• a doula

It is common to choose your partner to be at the birth, but you do not have to. If you think your partner might feel uncomfortable or find it hard to see you in pain, you might want to choose someone else as well.

Sometimes your partner may not be available at the time you go into labour. They could be unwell, away from home or may need to stay at home to care for younger children. In that case, it is good to have a 'backup' birth support person.

You can use a professional birth support person called a doula.

Doulas are not medical professionals. They provide you with emotional and practical support during your baby's birth. Their job is to help make your labour a more positive experience.

As well as supporting you during labour, your doula may arrange meetings with you before the birth and also provide support afterwards with your newborn.

Having the right support people can help during childbirth by:

• reducing the length of labour
• decreasing how much pain relief you need
• decreasing the chance of an assisted birth or caesarean
• boosting your confidence and improving your experience of labour

It is important that you feel comfortable and safe with your birth support partner and that you can be honest with them.

Your support person is there to help you, not simply to watch. Choose someone who can be there when you go into labour, is calm and positive and willing to help. They may need to be your advocate (speak on your behalf), so choose someone who can communicate your wishes to the maternity team.

You may like to have a birth support person who has had a baby themselves or seen a birth before.

Check with your doctor, midwife, hospital or birthing centre regarding how many support people are allowed in the room with you.

If someone has asked you to be a support partner and you think you cannot physically or mentally provide the support they need, it is best to discuss it beforehand. They may decide to choose a different birth support person. They might ask for your support for just part of the labour, or they may want more than one support person.

In preparation for the birth, you might find it helpful to attend antenatal classes and discuss the birth plan.

Every birth is different. Things may not always go according to plan. Be prepared to be flexible. You may need to speak up on behalf of your partner. It is a good idea to discuss their birth plan before labour and discuss what to do if things do not go to plan.

Early in labour, a birth support person can:

• stay with you so you are not alone
• go for a walk with you
• encourage you to eat and drink
• time your contractions
• massage
• emotional support
• resting positions

As your labour and birth progress, your support person can:

• encourage and comfort you
• support you in some labour and birth positions
• guide your breathing and help with other methods of coping
• massage you, hold your hand and wipe your face
• offer you snacks, drinks and ice
• help you into a bath or shower
• put a cool compress on your forehead

To help with communication, a birth support person can:

• express your needs and wishes to your maternity team
• discuss with you what your maternity team advises
• let you know what is happening as your labour progresses
• update family members on your progress, if you wish
• help you make decisions

After the birth, as you get used to taking care of your newborn baby, your birth support partner may be with you while you learn to breastfeed or give your baby a bottle.

Being a birth support partner can be exhausting, so look after yourself as well. Take rest breaks when you can.

Bring snacks and drinks for yourself and swimwear if you plan to go into a birthing pool or shower.

Here are some things you can do to find out more about being a birth support partner:

• Ask your doctor, midwife or doula, if you have one.
• Learn more about labour and birth, including options for labour and birthing positions.
• Tour the birth facility beforehand and ask questions.

• Contact Doula Network Australia or Australian Doulas to find a local doula.
• You can download the Westmead Women's and Newborn Health fact sheet on the role of the support person, which has tips for those providing support.
• Visit Australian Birth Stories for helpful labour tips for birth partners.
• Read more about labour and birth from the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.

Languages other than English

The Multicultural Centre for Women's Health has a catalogue of health resources for women, available in more than 70 languages.

Information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander peoples

Baby Coming You Ready is a culturally safe support for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander parents to be and new parents.