DO I NEED A BiRTHiNG COACH? BENEFiTS FOR A BETTER BiRTH

Why Your Partner is the Best Birthing Coach You Didn’t Know You Had

In your birth journey, having a strong birthing coach by your side can make all the difference.

And guess what? Your partner—yes, even if they have zero experience with hospitals, medical procedures, or the complexities of labor interventions—has the potential to be an incredible birth coach.

It may sound bold, but we’ve seen it time and time again with our students.

With the right preparation, partners who started out knowing very little about birth transform into calm, confident birthing coaches who know exactly how to support and advocate. They often surprise everyone in the room with their poise, commitment, and ability to step up when it matters most.

Your partner has a unique advantage: they know you better than anyone and are fully invested in your experience.

That combination of connection, tenacity, and care equips them to be your ideal birth coach. They’re naturally positioned to protect your space, encourage you when things feel overwhelming, and help you stay centered throughout labor. This kind of support isn’t just about knowing but the heart to carry you through each step.

The idea that partners belong in the birth room isn’t new.

Back in the 1940s, Dr. Robert Bradley, an American obstetrician, believed fathers should be present during delivery—not just as bystanders but as the mother’s primary support. He envisioned the physician taking a backseat role, like a lifeguard, while the partner remained at the center, providing the hands-on care the mother needed. This view was revolutionary in a time when men were generally absent from birth spaces.

We also believe that with preparation, your partner can help you feel empowered, safe, and supported—qualities only deepened by their connection to you.

There truly is no one better suited to stand beside you on this journey.

Let’s explore the multifaceted role of a birthing coach, covering tasks related to physical support, environment management, and additional responsibilities that an assistant birth coach can take on to foster a positive birthing experience.

A BiRTHiNG COACH PROViDES PHYSiCAL SUPPORT:

Positioning and Movement

Labor is exactly what the word means—hard work. It’s a physical process that requires your full effort and energy. A strong birthing coach encourages laboring moms to explore various positions that may alleviate discomfort or enhance progress in labor. They assist in transitions between positions, offering support and guidance.

A great coach is enthusiastic and a source of strength. They help conserve energy when it’s time to focus and get serious about managing labor contractions. From birthing tools like balls, squat bars, and rebozos, a birthing coach ensures these items are readily available and helps mom utilize them when needed.

Physical Touch

During contractions, the power of physical touch can be incredibly powerful. Birthing coaches can offer gentle massage and provide a steady hand to hold during contractions. They offer loving care through the application of warm compresses or cold packs.

Every great birth coach will be in tune with the laboring mother’s preferences, whether they find comfort in a hug, leaning support, or counter-pressure to ease tension during contractions. A great coach will utilize physical touch to guide a laboring mother into deeper relaxation to overcome labor contractions.

A BiRTHiNG COACH MANAGES THE BiRTH ENViRONMENT

Creating a Calming Atmosphere

A calm and peaceful environment is crucial for a positive birthing experience. Birth coaches know to adjust the lighting in the birthing room to create a soothing ambiance. They help to maintain a comfortable environment for the laboring mom to be the most relaxed she can be as she focuses on bringing baby into the world. From adjusting the room temperature to eliminating distractions, a trained birth coach can make all the difference. The more relaxed mom becomes, the easier it is for her to progress in labor.

Music and Aromatherapy

If mom has a curated playlist, the birth coach will make sure its introduced during labor. If aromatherapy is desired, a great birth coach will trial it during pregnancy to set the atmosphere in the birth room. Remember the birth coach’s primary focus is to coach mom during labor contractions, so they can prepare these different elements in advance. Ensure the environment remains peaceful and centered on the laboring mom’s needs.

Comfort Items

If you are birthing in a hospital or birth center, having a solid packing list is very important. Bringing items that hold sentimental value or provide comfort, such as a cozy blanket, a favorite pillow, or a cherished item can help ease the nerves of being in a foreign space or new location. These familiar items can create a sense of security and help mom feel more at ease.

The birthing coach has an important role in making sure everything is packed and ready before labor begins. A trained birth coach will make sure mom remains hydrated throughout labor for her to have the energy and stamina required to make it to the end of the process. Snacks for sustained energy are also important for both mom and birth coach.

This is a glimpse of how valuable a trained labor coach (or Daddy Doula as I call many of my students) is for the laboring mom.

If you have multiple individuals who want to support you in labor, you can enlist your birthing coach and also an assistant labor coach. This can take a lot of responsibilities off of your labor coach’s hands so they can focus entirely on helping you manage labor contractions well.

ASSiSTANT BiRTHiNG COACH RESPONSiBiLiTiES

Taking Birth Photos

An assistant birthing coach can capture the special moments of labor and birth through photography, if agreed upon by the family. Documenting the journey can create lasting memories and a tangible reminder of the strength and beauty witnessed during labor. It is important to ensure that the camera or device used is non-intrusive and respects the family's privacy.

Taking Care of Siblings (if present)

If siblings are present, having someone you trust to assist in their care and well-being takes the stress out of labor as well. This is where an assistant comes in, keeping them engaged with age-appropriate activities and providing reassurance as needed. My mom was always wonderful in helping with our kids when I was in labor, ensuring their meals, snacks, games, and activities catered to their needs as they eagerly anticipated their new sibling.

Assisting the Birth Partner

A great assistant will collaborate with the birthing coach by providing support where there is a need. They do not take over the birth coach’s role but contribute to the team to ensure the laboring mom has a positive birth experience. Tasks such as having food readily accessible, providing drinks during the labor process, or offering extra hands for gentle massage help the laboring mom succeed. Assistants also help make sure mom and her coach are well-supported emotionally throughout labor.

Respecting the Family and Their Decisions

It is crucial to maintain open communication, respect the family's birth plan, and advocate for their preferences. An assistant birth coach is asked to uphold a supportive and non-judgmental approach throughout the process. Their role is to ultimately support and empower the family in their choices, fostering a positive and trusting relationship.

Your role as a birth coach or assistant birth coach is diverse and impactful. By actively engaging in the labor process and supporting mom, you contribute significantly to creating a positive birth experience.

My own birth experiences were deeply impacted by my husband being by my side, investing the time into supporting me, and training as my Daddy Doula. His presence and commitment helped me achieve the birth of my dreams, and the bond we built through that experience is something we cherish to this day.

If you’d like to prepare for childbirth and train your partner to be a confident birthing coach, check out Our BirthRoom Academy and see what our students have to say about their experiences.

We can help you along your journey too!

Happy birthing!