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How dads can support in birth!

Writer's picture: Lily Greenhalgh Lily Greenhalgh

Dads (or mums) this is for you.....


So are you a soon-to-be dad and throwing your hands up and saying 'well, I'm not birthing so how can I help?' You've come to be right page!!


What you do in the birth space is sooo important! Let's break it down shall we?


How dads can support in birth physically:

  • Hip squeezes, you simply find their hip bones and using the palm of your hands you gently squeeze these inwards. This is a godsent to labouring women, especially ones with back pain, but I tell ya what- prepare yourself by going to be gym to get those arms ready!


hip squeezes for labour by dad
dad supporting in labour

Reference:

  • BE there with all contractions in active labour, trust me she will tell you what she needs physically, whether that's just for her to lean on you or to touch her anywhere in particular

  • If you both have completed a hypnobirthing class (or not) the light touch massage is amazing as a relaxation method, it's simply running the ends of your fingers up her back, down her arms, back up her arms and brisk up the neck to the hairline and back down.

  • Download some acupressure points to use with some massage oil with each stage of labour. This website is awesome for the basic ones! https://www.sustaininghealthacupuncture.com/post/acupressure-guide-for-labor

  • Know your rebozo techniques! Yes! Rebozo's are amazing for pain relief. You can use a Mexican rebozo or a sheet. (if you hire a doula you should be shown some rebozo and acupressure techniques)

How dads can support in birth emotionally:

  • Giving her birthing affirmations. Literally being her birth coach through it all! Telling her how amazing she's doing etc

  • Holding that space for her to allow whatever she wants to say and do

  • Validate her, always. Understand that birth is a huge thing to go through.

  • Know what she is wanting at every turn of birth, and then advocating for her at times when her voice isn't being heard. (This is very important)

And know that you've got this dad! Labour is very important for you, as well as the birthing person. Get educated, feel prepared and get your labour toolkit together!





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