The support of your partner will often depend on the preparation they have received in prenatal classes. The Bradley Method of Husband Coached Childbirth classes focus on giving your partner adequate knowledge so that they can become your advocate in labor. The Childbirth Resource Directory in this guide will refer you to other equally informative prenatal classes in Canada and the United States. You may wish to have people you know come in shifts if you have a large family or many supportive friends. Having a few people come in on and off during your labor can help you to keep your sense of humor when you need it most.
Birth is a great celebration of life and it deeply touches all involved in the process.
Have your partner remind you to breath slowly and deeply. Have your partner remind you to urinate every hour to make more room for your baby's descent. Have your partner massage your lower back, neck and shoulders. Current research shows that as you become more relaxed during labor your pain decreases. Thus a warm bath or shower, a gentle massage, a shoulder to lean against, a gentle hug, encouraging words and a hand to grip will aid greatly in naturally reducing pain during labor.