How to Support Your Laboring Wife

Many men are frightened by the thought of labor and delivery. Seeing their wife laying on a delivery table in pain cannot only be nerve-racking but bothersome as well. Although the pain of childbirth will continue throughout the delivery, there are many things that a man can do to make this experience more enjoyable and pleasant for their wife.

First of all, try to take her mind off of the contractions. By giving her a back or foot massage you can help her to relax by soothing the sore muscles in her body. Offer to get a warm/hot water bottle and place it on her back. This can be especially helpful if she is experiencing back labor. Take a CD of calming and soothing music that your wife can listen to as the contractions pick up. Rather than talking about the contractions, encourage her to watch a television show, read a magazine, work in the baby book or another activity to take her mind off of the contractions.

If the pain of labor is too much for your wife to handle at any point, ask her if she would like medications to control the pain. Although many women fear an epidural and do not think that medication is right for them, the majority will change their mind during active labor. If your wife wants to have a form of pain medication, tell the nurse or doctor.

Labor is hard on a woman's body. With continuous uterine contractions and hard pushing, it is safe to assume that your wife will become very tired and perhaps overwhelmed during the process. It is not uncommon for some women to feel like they can't continue pushing any longer as the pain intensifies and their body becomes weak. Continue to tell your wife that she is doing a great job and that she can do it. Let her know when you can see the baby's head crowning and praise her for a job well done.

Because most hospitals do not allow laboring women to eat, do not eat in the room with her or talk about food is she has mentioned being hungry. Some women do not mind their partner eating and some do. If she is hungry, ask her nurse or doctor if she can have broth, ice chips or Jell-O to curb her hunger until after the delivery.

Finally, be your wife's advocate. Between medications and fatigue, she may not be able to think clear enough to state her exact wishes. If you know for a fact that your wife wants to avoid an epidural during delivery, speak up and say so. Do not allow the nurses and doctors to tell her what she "has" to do unless it is absolutely necessary for the baby or mother's health. Try to remember a birth plan so that all of her wishes and desires are written down on paper. That way you will not have to remember everything when it comes time to make critical decisions.

Childbirth is a wonderful experience that both you and your wife will want to look back on with happy memories. By making your wife as comfortable as possible, you can help to ensure that she has a positive experience.