Labour can be frightening, and most women find it very reassuring to see a familiar face when they are giving birth. Having a supportive labour companion can make a major difference to both the experience and outcome of labour and birth. Research has shown that social support:

•   Reduces a woman’s need for pain-killing drugs
•   Reduces the likelihood of medical interventions in labour
•   Increases a woman’s satisfaction with her birth experience
•   Increases the time a woman is likely to breastfeed her baby
•   Reduces the chances of her experiencing difficulties in mothering her baby

Just by being there you will be offering your partner tangible support.

Some women now choose to have more than one birth partner, especially if the father might not be present. The mother should choose the person who is going to give her the support she needs.

There are many ways in which you can help during the actual labour. The perfect birth partner:

•   Has already toured the labour suite and is familiar with it
•   Will have seen a birth on television or video, and have a realistic idea of what labour is about
•   Has the car in working order with plenty of fuel, and the right change for the parking meters
•   Has been to classes and can talk with caregivers when the labouring woman can’t express her wishes
•   Is prepared for tears and laughter, highs and lows and quick swings from one to the other
•   Expects to be cried on, screamed at, pummelled, and bossed around by their partner
•   Helps her into comfortable positions during labour and with breathing through the contractions
•   Assists her with pain relief, uses touch and massage, and rubs her back for her
•   Gives her lots of encouragement and tells her how brilliantly she is doing, especially when she is beginning to think she can’t cope
•   Isn’t afraid to ask questions to find out what’s going on
•   Is ready to offer her a soothing flannel if she gets very hot
•   Doesn’t rise to the bait when their partner gets tired and argumentative

Don’t forget to take time out for yourself every so often; being a labour supporter is very demanding.

Some dads like to cut the umbilical cord. If you think you might want to do this, tell the midwife in advance!