Preparing for labor: Getting the labor support you need

Importance of labor support

Giving birth is an experience you will remember for the rest of your life. Women who get good labor support usually view their births more positively.

One of the things you can do to prepare for labor is to make sure you have good labor support. Good labor support means:

• support that is constant
• support that starts early in labor
• support that fits your values and beliefs
• the support person values you and wants to provide support.

Good labor support means getting:

• emotional support such as reassurance and praise
• physical support, such as help with position changes, warm/cool packs, massage
• information and advice about the progress of labor and birthing options
• respect, including respect of your choices.

Although your nurse will support you, she will not always be with you. Talk with your husband, partner or labor companion about the support he or she can give.

Talking about what both of you want during labor can help clarify that you both need. Some questions to discuss:

• What are your goals for labor and birth?
• What do you need to remain confident in your own ability?
• What will give you the freedom to find comfort?
• Are you concerned about experiencing or expressing pain? How concerned are you about seeing your partner in pain?
• What do you want your labor support person to do?

How active in providing labor support do you want to be?

• Do you have concerns that past events may make it difficult for you to give birth/provide labor support?
• What may make you more comfortable during labor? During birth?

If the two of you feel that an extra person would be helpful, consider asking someone you know or hiring professional labor support (a doula). Check with your insurance provider to see if hiring a doula is covered under your plan.

When thinking about a friend or family member, consider whether the person:

• makes both of you feel comfortable
• knows about the birth process
• has a positive view of birth
• shares your values about labor and birth

A doula is someone who knows the process of labor and birth, a variety of physical comfort measures, and how to provide emotional support.

Her role is to support you and whomever you choose to be with you. She does not take the place of anyone. A doula can also provide support if you don’t have a labor companion.

A doula will meet with you before your baby is due to talk about the birth process and what kinds of support might be most helpful to you. She can also visit you at home after your baby is born.

Doulas limit the number of women they support each month. It is better to start looking for a doula as soon as you think you might like one. DONA (Doulas of North America) can help you find a doula and suggest questions to ask when you are choosing one.

Related Links

Unity Hospital Doula Labor Support Service

Who should attend the delivery?

First published: 10/04/2002
Last updated: 09/10/2009

Reviewed by: Allina Patient Education experts