If mom is opting for a natural childbirth, or if it is simple not time for other medications, here are somethings that you can do to help ease the pain of labor:
- relaxation
- labor positions
- massage
- water (tub or shower)
- reassurance
If mom has decided to use and epidural or other medication, you are still needed, just in a different way:
- try to stay with mom while they are placing the epidural
- offer encouragement
- remind her of what's going on around her
- remind her to move around, as possible
Your doula will also be able to help guide you in the many options that you have for pain relief and how to care for mom in labor. Your practitioner and the nursing staff will check on you, but are rarely there for long periods of time until it is actually time to have your baby. This surprises many couples, but is the standard in most hospitals.
You may also find that there are added interventions. You may have learned about some of these in childbirth class, like fetal monitoring. There are others that may be a surprise to you, like breaking the water, IV fluids and others.
