One-Minute Comfort Measures

Birth partners, especially dads, do well when support or comfort measures are listed in bite size chunks. Here is a simple list for your birth bag that can be your partner's "cheat sheet" to assisting you through the process.

Psychological support

• Encourage/lead imagery
• Role modeling breathing
• Eye contact and soothing words
• Reassurance, encouragement, praise, empowering statements (“You can/are doing this”)
• Take change when woman is agitated, discouraged, unfocused
• Lead relaxation exercises
• Share words of love and admiration

Physical support

• Hand, foot, back massage
• Cold packs
• Hot compresses (microwaved rice bags, warm blankets, etc.)
• Acupressure
• Reassuring touch: holding, patting, stroking
• Suggestion for position changes
• Hydro/aquatherapy: shower or tub
• Double hip squeeze
• Lunge
• Wipe face with cool cloth
• Support in different/changing positions

For more information on how to implement these comfort measures, check out "Labour and Birth Coach 101" at www.newmom101.com. These comfort measures should be reviewed with your partner since they will be the one needing to cue you and make suggestions on the day!

Happy Birthing!

Cheers,
Andrea Page