51 Ways a Labour Partner Can Help

In early labour, you can:

1. Help her get ready for labour
2. Encourage her; say that she’s strong and ready
3. Make her tea or broth to drink
4. Make her something light to eat
5. Play cards or watch TV with her

6. Suggest a shower
7. Suggest a nap
8. Remind her to relax and focus

If she is having trouble keeping focused, you can:

1. Reassure and praise her
2. Give her an object or picture to look at during contractions
3. Remind her of the reason she’s here (baby)
4. Suggest a walk or position change
5. Ask extra people to leave the room
6. P lace your hands on her face and breath with her

If her belly hurts, you can:

1. Remind her to go to the bathroom often
2. H elp her change positions
3. With a light touch, massage her lower belly and thighs
4. If she is having trouble relaxing you can:
5. Place a hand over her hand
6. Have her shake both hands in the air
7. Touch her and remind her to relax
8. Talk about a relaxing time
9. Play music that helps her relax
10. Read to her
11. Rub her back

If she is too hot, you can:

1. Wash her face and neck with a cool, wet cloth
2. Give her ice chips
3. Fan her face and body
4. Open a window

If her back hurts, you can:

1. Help her change positions
2. Put a warm cloth or heat pack on her back
3. Put a cold cloth or ice pack on her back
4. Apply counter pressure with hands or tennis ball
5. Sit back to back with her so your backs can press together
6. Have her lean against the hurt with her own fists
7. H elp her stand and lean against the wall
8. Help her get on her hands and knees and rock back and forth

If her legs and arms shake, you can:

1. Hold her steady so she feel more in control
2. Use a soft touch or long, firm stroking on her legs and arms
3. Rub her feet and hands
4. Put a warm blanket on her

If her contractions stop, you can:

1. Talk about labour and encourage rest and relaxation
2. Help her with nipple stimulation
3. Kiss her
4. Tell her how strong she is
5. Make sure she’s drinking water
6. Suggest a hot shower
7. Help her take a walk
8. Rub her back
9. Take her outside
10. Make her laugh