General Tips for the Support Person:

1. Be interested, by finding out what is

important to the woman and by being aware
of her birth plan. Remember, you need to be
on call for several weeks to before and
sometimes after the due date.
2. Be a comforter, by massaging backs,
renewing hot packs, getting ice for her to
chew on, wiping brows (sometimes noses)
and assisting her into different birth
positions.
3. Be a communicator, by taking phone
calls and passing messages on to inquiring
friends and family. Check beforehand who is
allowed to know what, at which time!
4. Be a supporter! Dont be loud and crack
lots of jokes. She does not need cheering
up; she needs cheering on (quietly). This is
not a party, its a labor so be quiet and calm
and dont intrude too much. Dont talk
during contractions and dont talk about the
woman or over the woman as if she is not
there. After the birth, leave the couple
together so they can spend some intimate
moments alone.
5.
Be an advocate if there is conflict
between the woman and her caregiver but
try to stay calm and appeal to reason. Refer
to the birth plan if needed, but also
recognize not all births go to plan.
Remember, at all times this is her birth not
yours so follow her lead and what you know
she would want. Leave your own baggage
at the door!
6. Be a trusted friend and remember the
woman you are supporting may become
uninhibited and even aggressive. If she
swears like a drunken sailor, remember its
normal in labor.

Things Mom Must Have:

An IV with first round of antibiotics for GBS
upon arrival
Possibly need Rogam if babys blood is
positive
Possible drugs to stop bleeding after birth
Things Mom Doesnt Want:
DONT TELL ME THE GENDER OF BABY! Let
me see for myself.
No Pitocin (PLEASE WAIT AT LEAST 10
MINUTES AFTER BIRTH BEFORE GIVING ME
ANY TO STOP BLEEDING!)
No constant IV (only when needed for
antibiotics)
No constant fetal monitoring or vaginal
exams
No Epidural
Things Mom Does Want:
A heplock or saline lock after first round of
antibiotics have been given
Ability to be mobile
Calm environment

I have made you.

I will carry you.
I will sustain you
and I will rescue
you.
Isaiah 46:4

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