What makes a good natural birth coach?

Re: What makes a good natural birth coach?

• KateLouise member

  August 2012

  I just asked my husband what he thinks a husband needs to know before going into the whole childbirth thing.

  He said:

  1) Go to an antenatal class/ read a book about the mechanics of childbirth (My DH liked the comraderie of having other dads to be to talk to) Also learn about the interventions/things that can happen ahead of time.

  2) Be prepared for it to be long. It's boring for the guy, and tiring and they don't have the benefit of hormones/adrenalin and an all consuming job to get through. Take snacks and drinks.

  3) Be prepared to do whatever is needed. massage, holding, arranging pillows, directing hot water etc etc etc.

  DH was a great coach. He was calm and relaxed. He just paid attention to any requests I made. Made some suggestions. Didn't say much, just let me get on with it. Followed any MW instructions. Told me I was doing a  great job during the pushing. Basically was just the supportive, caring man that he is, doing whatever he could to ease the hard work for me. 

  For DD2 we ended up with an unassisted homebirth. I did all the hardwork in the shower while he was on the computer. When I realised the baby was coming I called to him, he came in, called the ambulance and caught the baby. It was crazy but again he was calm, supportive and just did what he needed to do.

   

  
  Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old

  
  

  
  
  

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• valeriej6 member

  August 2012

  Thanks so much, ladies. This really helps. We did take classes in which they explained the stages of labor, but refreshing his memory wouldn't hurt. We do have lots of snacks and distractions. 

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