Tips for Labor & Birth Support People

As a labor and birth support person, your presence truly makes a difference in creating a safe, loving birth experience. These tips can help. 

PDF: Support Person Tips

Stay Close & Comfort Them

• Stay in the room with the laboring person as much as you can
• Hold their hand or offer gentle touch
• Speak softly with reassurance
• Help keep the room calm and quiet
• Guide their focus by breathing with them
• Celebrate every bit of progress

Help Them Move & Change Positions

• Walk with them to the bathroom and in the hallway. It is ok to unplug the IV pump.
• Encourage frequent position changes
• Support them while standing, sitting, or leaning

Comfort Measures You Can Offer

• Press firmly on their lower back to help with the pain
• Place a cool cloth on their forehead
• Adjust pillows for comfort
• Offer small sips of fluid to help stay hydrated, if allowed
• Stay physically and emotionally present

During Pushing

• Cheer them on. They need your energy and belief in them that they can do this.
• Count to ten for them if they want
• Help support a leg if asked
• Offer small sips of fluid, if allowed

Tell the Nurse About

• A sudden increase in pain
• They feel like they need to push
• They feel "poop" pressure
• They ask for help
• You or they have questions
• Anything that worries you
• Anything from their birth plan you want us to remember

Take Care of Yourself

• Ask about the refreshment room
• Take time for yourself to eat and drink
• Rest when you can
• Ask staff if you need help

Please talk about these tips with your care team, as they may vary based on each person’s needs and medical conditions.