It takes a team!

Creating the best labor support team is essential. Having people create the best labor experience possible for you such as your partner, a friend, a doula, and the medical care team are all essential components to your labor support team. Just like any sports team would practice for success on game day, this is no different. You need to practice with your support team to have a successful experience during your labor. Practicing breathing and relaxation techniques with your support people will help the flow and overall experience.

Have you taken the opportunity to choose your support people? Have you informed them that they are on your team? Have you had conversations about what your expectations are of them during the labor process? It is important to have these conversations early, just because people are in the room they can believe that they are there in a spectator capacity and not exactly in the game! There can also be mixed perceptions about what helpful is.

Having support people during labor is important because they help the birthing person feel safer, calmer, and more confident, which can make labor easier and healthier. Here are the main reasons:

1. Emotional support

   
   

   Labor can be intense and stressful. A trusted support person (like a partner, family member, friend, or doula) provides reassurance, encouragement, and comfort, helping reduce fear and anxiety.

   
   

2. Physical comfort

   
   

   Support people can help with breathing techniques, massage, changing positions, getting water, or reminding the birthing person to rest—things that can reduce pain and fatigue.

   
   

3. Better labor outcomes

   
   

   Research shows that continuous support during labor is linked to shorter labors, fewer medical interventions, and a lower chance of needing a C-section.

   
   

4. Advocacy and communication

   
   

   Support people can help communicate the birthing person’s wishes to healthcare providers, especially if the person in labor is tired or overwhelmed.

   
   

5. Feeling less alone and more in control

   
   

   Knowing someone is there just for them can help the birthing person feel supported, respected, and empowered during a major life event.

   
   

In short, support people help create a more positive, safer, and less stressful birth experience for both the parent and baby.