As the arrival of baby #2 becomes imminent, I thought I would share the following list with other Dad (or partner) to be’s.
Thanks to our doula, Heather at Birth and Beyond, for the following information.
In early labour, you can:
- Help her get ready for labour
- Encourage her; say that she’s strong and ready
- Make her tea or broth to drink
- Make her something light to eat
- Play cards or watch TV with her
- Suggest a shower
- Suggest a nap
- Remind her to relax and focus
If she is having trouble keeping focused, you can:
- Reassure and praise her
- Give her an object or picture to look at during contractions
- Remind her of the reason she’s here (baby)
- Suggest a walk or position change
- Ask extra people to leave the room
- P lace your hands on her face and breath with her
If her belly hurts, you can:
- Remind her to go to the bathroom often
- H elp her change positions
- With a light touch, massage her lower belly and thighs
- If she is having trouble relaxing you can:
- Place a hand over her hand
- Have her shake both hands in the air
- Touch her and remind her to relax
- Talk about a relaxing time
- Play music that helps her relax
- Read to her
- Rub her back
If she is too hot, you can:
- Wash her face and neck with a cool, wet cloth
- Give her ice chips
- Fan her face and body
- Open a window
If her back hurts, you can:
- H elp her change positions
- Put a warm cloth or heat pack on her back
- Put a cold cloth or ice pack on her back
- Apply counter pressure with hands or tennis ball
- Sit back to back with her so your backs can press together
- Have her lean against the hurt with her own fists
- H elp her stand and lean against the wall
- Help her get on her hands and knees and rock back and forth
If her legs and arms shake, you can:
- Hold her steady so she feel more in control
- Use a soft touch or long, firm stroking on her legs and arms
- Rub her feet and hands
- Put a warm blanket on her
If her contractions stop, you can:
- Talk about labour and encourage rest and relaxation
- Help her with nipple stimulation
- Kiss her
- Tell her how strong she is
- Make sure she’s drinking water
- Suggest a hot shower
- Help her take a walk
- Rub her back
- Take her outside
- Make her la ugh