13/07/2024
๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ ๐ซถ๐ปโฃ
Did you know you are the perfect person to support her through birth. Simply because you are you. โฃ
๐ฌ๐ผ๐ ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ฎ๐ณ๐ฒ ๐ฝ๐น๐ฎ๐ฐ๐ฒ. You are also one of her biggest sources of Oxytocin, simply by just being there. โฃ
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It can be scary being a birth partner. Itโs a tough role. Remember, youโre not expected to know everything, weโre (us midwives) here to help you โบ๏ธโฃ
And If you feel a little overwhelmed, take a big breath and know that you to have got this!โฃ
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Hereโs a few tips:โฃ
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๐๐ฒ๐ณ๐ผ๐ฟ๐ฒ ๐ฏ๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ต ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐น๐ฑ;โฃ
๐Attend a birth prep class together, that way you can learn a few things, know what to expect & pick up some tips on how to helpโฃ
๐Discuss the birth, what vibe is she aiming for, what are the important things & how can you help achieve thisโฃ
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๐๐๐ฟ๐ถ๐ป๐ด ๐น๐ฎ๐ฏ๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฐ๐ผ๐๐น๐ฑ;โฃ
๐ set up the environment to create that all important birthing atmosphere. Think about things like lighting, music, smell, privacy/noise levelโฃ
๐ Keep her hydrated. Offer sips of fluid (and snacks) regularly, labour uses up so much energy & fuel is importantโฃ
๐Offer comforting touch. This helps her feel safe & supported. It could be a simple head stroke, counter pressure, a massage, or even just a hand on her shoulder. Did you know, light touch massage over the back, arms, thighs is great for releasing endorphinsโฃ
๐Help her change positions regularly, remember you are helping your baby rotate & descend through the pelvis. Think Optimising Fetal Position is the key. Support her weight if she needs itโฃ
๐Apply that TENS machine, run her a lovely aromatherapy bath, give her your hand (or a comb) to squeeze. ๐ฅ๐ฒ๐บ๐ถ๐ป๐ฑ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐๐ผ ๐๐๐ฒ ๐ต๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐ฏ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ฎ๐๐ต. Count her through the breathing until the contraction/surge/tightening has easedโฃ
๐Most importantly stay with her, encourage her, calm her, be her anchor. Remind her just how amazing she is โฃ
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๐Oh and definitely be flexible. Prepare for some abuse & try not to take it personally! Donโt get discouraged if she doesnโt like something you try!โฃ
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๐๐ผ๐ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ฑ ๐๐ผ๐๐ฟ ๐๐ถ๐ฟ๐๐ต ๐ฃ๐ฎ๐ฟ๐๐ป๐ฒ๐ฟ ๐บ๐ฎ๐ธ๐ฒ ๐ฎ ๐ฑ๐ถ๐ณ๐ณ๐ฒ๐ฟ๐ฒ๐ป๐ฐ๐ฒ? โฃ
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