Course Content
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A note from me before you dive in
Partner Communication Skills
You may be feeling a bit like a fish out of water in the hospital setting, but fear not! This course is here to equip you with the skills to effectively communicate with the medical team and make sure your partner's needs are heard and met. As you prepare to support your partner during labor, there's one skill that's absolutely essential: communication. Your job is to be her champion, her rock, her voice when she needs it most. Effective communication can help you advocate for her needs and preferences, facilitate communication between you and medical team, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. But communicating effectively during such an emotional and intense experience can be challenging. That's why we've created a Communication Skills module as part of our Birth Partner Preparation course. In this module, we'll teach you practical strategies for communicating, advocating and facilitating communication. We'll cover everything from how to ask questions to how to assertively communicate needs and preferences. But it's not just about the practical skills. By mastering effective communication, you'll deepen your connection with your partner and be able to provide emotional support during this incredible experience. You'll be a source of comfort and strength for her during one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of your lives. So, are you ready to take your communication skills to the next level and become the best possible birth partner? Let's do it!
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Speak Up and Be Her Advocate
BRAT Technique
Talk to the Hand
05:44
The Decision Tree Exercise
00:00
The Stages of Labor
Now, I know what you're thinking - do we really need to learn about the stages of labor? Can't we just wait for the baby to come out? Well, as tempting as it might be to stick your head in the sand and hope for the best, understanding the stages of labor is essential for being an effective birth partner. By knowing what to expect during each stage, you'll be better equipped to recognize when your partner is moving from early labor to active labor, and from active labor to pushing. You'll be able to identify signs of progress, know when it's time to head to the hospital, and help your partner cope with the different challenges that come with each stage. And let's be honest, being able to confidently say "Honey, I think it's time to go to the hospital" will earn you some serious brownie points. Plus, knowing what's going on during labor will help you feel more involved and connected to the experience. So, don't be caught off guard when the big day arrives. Sign up for our Birth Partner Preparation course and learn all about the stages of labor. We promise to keep it fun, engaging, and most importantly, informative. Let's do this!
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Partner Support in Early Labor
07:21
Partner Support in Active Labor
11:56
Partner Support in Transition
06:34
Partner Support in Birth
01:07
Non Medical Comfort Measures
While the medical team will be there to take care of the medical side of things, there are a variety of non-medical comfort techniques you can learn to help your partner feel more comfortable and supported during this intense and exciting time. Our Birth Partner Preparation course includes a module dedicated to non-medical comfort techniques. We'll teach you a variety of techniques, including massage, breathing exercises, and positioning, that you can use to help your partner manage pain, feel more relaxed, and stay focused throughout labor and delivery. Learning these techniques is not only important for your partner's comfort and well-being, but it also helps you play an active role in the birth experience. By being involved and present, you can strengthen your bond as partners and create a more positive birth experience for both of you. And let's face it, learning these techniques can be a lot of fun! You'll have the opportunity to practice your massage skills, explore different breathing techniques, and get creative with positioning. Who knows, you might even discover a hidden talent for foot rubs!
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Teamwork
Non Touch Techniques
Touch Techniques
Interventions
As you prepare to support your partner through the birth of your child, you may wonder if learning about interventions is necessary. After all, won't the medical team take care of everything? While medical professionals are experts in their field, it's important to remember that your partner's wishes and preferences are just as important. If you're not familiar with interventions, it's natural to feel hesitant or unsure about whether you need to learn more. However, as a birth partner, you play a crucial role in advocating for your partner's needs and preferences. This includes being informed about interventions and understanding how they may impact the birth experience. In our Birth Partner Preparation course, we have a module dedicated to interventions. We'll teach you about the most common interventions used during labor and delivery, how they work, and what their benefits and risks are. By becoming informed about interventions, you'll be better equipped to communicate with the medical team and make informed decisions with your partner. Remember, your partner's wishes and preferences are central to the birth experience. By being informed and advocating for her needs and preferences, you can help ensure that her birth experience is as positive as possible. Don't leave it solely up to the medical team - as a birth partner, you have an important role to play.
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Induction of Labor for Partners
14:56
Augmentation of Labor for Partners
06:14
Epidurals for Partners
13:12
Gas and Air for Partners
10:21
Opiods for Partners
08:10
Episiotomy for Partners
04:31
Assisted Birth for Partners
07:12
Cesarean Section for Partners
23:38
Exercises and Printable Handouts
Here's where you'll find some handy - mostly printable resources so you can whip them out when you need them and save the day! I've also included some very valuable exercises that I highly recommend taking the time to do together. You'll see why when you do them. Enjoy!
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The Babymoon
Don’t let Fear Get in the Way
What’s your Love Language?
Keeping the Love Alive
Reality Check
Navigating Conflict
Hospital Visit Checklist
Everything you Need To Know Pocket Book
Birth Blueprint
Mother Warming Post Partum Meals
Final Words
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But hold on, this is just the beginning!
Birth Partner Preparation
About Lesson

Active Birth Role

Let’s talk about active labor and how you can be an awesome support for your partner during this stage of labor.

Active labor is the second stage of labor and it typically starts when your cervix has dilated to around 6 cm. This is when things really start to heat up, and your partner will need your support more than ever.

Active labor can last anywhere from a few hours to several hours, and it’s characterised by strong and regular contractions.

If you’re having a hospital birth, now would be the time to start heading to the hospital if you’re not already there. See the image for a reminder of what to look for. 

Here are some tips and strategies to help you be an awesome birth partner:

  • This is when you’re really going to start needing those touch and non touch techniques you learned about in previous lessons. Use them. 
  • Be mindful that once you’re in the hospital you’re going to have to be more vigilant both of your partner and of the environment. 
  • Be prepared to advocate for her wishes using the skills you learned in previous lessons. Have your cue cards if necessary. Use the handout attached as a reminder of interventions that may be suggested at different stages. 
  • Be patient. Labor can take a long time and it can be potentially boring for some partners (yes, as awful as that sounds, its possible) stay present and remember if you’re tired (or bored) she’s way more tired because labor  is physically and emotionally intense. 
  • Remember that “speeding things up” is not always the right choice as tempting as it may sound. 
  • Be proactive not reactive 
  • Remember that informed consent is not always a signature or a piece of paper. 

You’re probably wanting a lot more than this but I promised to keep it simple and practical.

Do this and you’ll ace it. 

Exercise Files
FREE GUIDE.pdf
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