During many pregnancies and births, there is a partner at side of the person giving birth. In this article, we want to give some tips for you as a partner to lean on.

It can feel frustrating to stand by and watch your partner go through pregnancy and childbirth. Of course, you can feel and express your own feelings, but it can be nice and safe as someone carrying a child to have someone to lean on. Therefore, it can be useful for partners to show their involvement by taking part in the preparations.

Read about childbirth and how the mother may feel afterwards, help pack the baby bag and wash small baby clothes. And above all: talk to the pregnant person about what they want and need from you during both pregnancy and childbirth. Maybe they want you to manage communication during the birth, or does they want to do it themselves? What kind of support does are they expecting? How do they want to be cared for?

Once in labour, it is good to try to be present. Put your mobile away and be a part of the situation to find your place throughout the birth. Bring snacks with you that you both enjoy and remind your partner to eat and drink. Even if you often don’t feel like it, food and drink are essential for getting enough energy.

Before giving birth, it is good to know that your baby may sometimes need a little help to get started with breathing after birth. This is common because being born is a big adjustment for a baby. You as a partner will be the one going along to the paediatrician and the paediatric nurse with your pregnant partner. Things can often look more dramatic than they are, so you might feel a little calmer if you gain more knowledge before the big day.

Something else that can be intimidating as a partner is a ventouse. Most of the time, the person giving birth will be exhausted and needs a little extra help during contractions. She will continue to push and deliver her baby herself, just with some assistance. More staff will probably enter the room and, depending on the situation, it may be stressful for you as the person not giving birth. Again, try to find peace of mind by trusting in the competence of the staff and that together you will help to get your child out soon. The person giving birth needs you more than ever!

Why not read a book or listen to a podcast about what it can be like to give birth and take the opportunity to ask friends and relatives how they experienced childbirth as a partner? Maybe you will get good tips and perspectives on what your role might look like when the time comes!