In the last 100 years the culture of giving birth has changed dramatically. Since the 1970’s, there has been a shift towards fathers being at birth. Sadly, preparing fathers for birth is fairly uncommon, even today, so many go into the birthing room with no knowledge or tools to use and are just expected to know what to do. They are often scared and feel out of their depth. As a result, they are pumping out adrenalin ( which the mother will absorb aswell), and heavily rely on the medical team to “do something”, often seeking additional medical intervention during labour, before the mother needs it or when it may not actually be necessary. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ No matter who you choose to have at the birth with you, they will play a vital role in helping you stay FOCUSED, CALM and INSTINCTIVE.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Physiologically a woman needs no “support” to give birth. However, she can greatly benefit from EMOTIONAL and PRACTICAL support, especially when giving birth away from familiar surroundings. Key factors to help her relax are that she FEELS SAFE, UNOBSERVED, does not feel JUDGED and has FOCUSED and CONTINUOUS CARE.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ For much of the time your birth partner will simply be with you to offer drinks, snacks, words of support, a hug etc. By being in tune with you while you’re in labour he/she will become aware if your manner and disposition changes. This is usually a sign that you are having an adrenaline blip or are entering SELF DOUBT phase. Now their role is more important than EVER!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ If you have done hypnobirthing with me you will know I always mention how important it is to wee in labour. Another good reason is that you can get rid of Adrenalin through urine. Therefore it is a good idea to allow a short time for Adrenalin to decrease and endorphins and oxytocin to increase, before suggesting that you go for a wee. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Remember, you CANNOT birth your baby without OXYTOCIN.
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