What is a ππ’π«ππ‘ π©ππ«ππ§ππ«? Who should I choose? What does he/she do?
A birth partner can be anyone who you, as an expecting mom, want to have by your side during birth: your partner, your parents, a sibling, a doula, your sister, or your best friend. It can be one person or a bunch of people. Have whoever you want with you during birth, BUT if you feel pressured to take somebody you donβt really want to have there, stand your ground and say no (good preparation for being a parent 
). It is also a good idea to check the hospital regulations for the case you want to have several birth partners at a hospital birth.
A birth partner brings continuity and safety to the birth – exactly what you need during labor so that your body can do its work! Being prepared is crucial for the birth partner too so that he/she does not feel βhelplessβ but knows how to give support.
A birth partner can:
β’ make the room nice
β’ read relaxations
β’ turn on music
β’ turn off bright lights
β’ offer drinks and food
β’ advocate for the mom and be a βtranslatorβ between the medical staff and the birthing person, so that mom can stay in her βzoneβ
β’ β¦and much more
If the birth partner is also the parent of the baby, it is an even more meaningful experience as non-birthing parents also go through a transition during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. They even have hormonal changes which prepare them for parenthood. Being an involved birth partner is not only beneficial for the mom, but also for the birth partner, and the baby. They can form a deeper connection by experiencing the birth as a team. So, birth partners: talk talk talk! Get to know momsβ expectations, wishes for her dream labor, and how she wants to deal with eventual intervention. Practice breathing, relaxation techniques, and birth positions together and look forward to the amazing experience of birth!
