Sometimes your labor support person (partner, mom, sister, friend, etc.) wants to help but might not know how! It can be beneficial to sit down and go over what you might want for support during labor and delegate those tasks to your team. Obviously, not every mama is going to love every item on the list, but it can give you some ideas to start with!

• Massage mama’s temples, hands, etc. to help release stress and relax.
• Remind her to go to the bathroom every hour. A full bladder is not only uncomfortable, but it can also stall labor.
• Try cool compresses on her neck and face.
• Encourage her to drink fluids and eat to help keep up her energy.
• Help her change positions to encourage labor to progress.
• Provide counterpressure by placing your hands on the small of her back or pressure on the side of each hip using both hands.
• Listen to what she wants, she might not always want to be touched, but being by her side is still helpful.
• Apply a heating pad to her lower back, limbs, etc. to ease the pain.
• Remind her she is doing a great job and keep up the encouragement.

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