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A labor coach/partner has many responsibilities prior to childbirth, including:- Attending childbirth education classes with the mother
- Researching and discussing labor options prior to the delivery, such as the use of medication
- Assisting the mother when she writes her birth plan
A labor coach/partner has many responsibilities during childbirth, including:- Being physically and mentally present at all times
- Keeping the mother focused on her breathing
- Massaging the mother as she dictates
- Offering water periodically
- Providing various birthing-position suggestions, especially when the labor seems to stagnate
- Providing direct pressure on the mother's lower back to relieve back labor
- Providing physical support, such as holding the mother
- Providing oral support, such as encouraging the mother when her energy fades
- Assisting with decision making in case questions or complications develop
- Staying calm so that the mother can ideally relax between contractions
- Being patient and flexible
Keep in mind that while a labor coach/partner has many responsibilities throughout this process, if nothing seems to be working or you are unable to make the mother happy, try not to take it personally!
A labor coach/partner has many responsibilities after childbirth, including:- Helping the mother get settled into her room after the birth
- Making birth announcement calls to family and friends
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