The Birth Partner: Everything You Need to Know to Help a Woman Through Childbirth is written by Penny Simkin, published by The Harvard Common Press. This childbirth book serves as an excellent, easy-to-read handbook for anyone who has the honor of being present during a woman’s birthing experience.
Preparing for Labor Before the Birth
Simkin does a great and honest job preparing birth partners for what to expect in terms of their own emotional changes, and how to help the pregnant woman in their lives get ready for labor. A worksheet called “How Will You Feel” allows an honest assessment of emotions likely to be felt. To make labor less confusing and stressful she suggests a packing list, filling out much of the paper ahead of time and being sure to tour the hospital so you know where to go.
Supporting the Mother During Labor and Birth
The next few chapters of The Birth Partner are in-depth guides for helping and supporting a laboring woman through this most changeable and important time of her pregnancy – the birth itself.
Readers will find the explanation of the various stages of labor and what to expect from the laboring mother in terms of emotions helpful. Even more helpful are the lists of what to check and what to do to help – how to time contractions, when to call the doctor or head to the hospital and more. Each stage of labor is discussed in detail with information about how long that stage of labor will last, how the mother will feel, what the caregiver may do, how you may feel as the birth partner and what you can do to help!
The stages and phases of labor discussed are:
- Prelabor
- Early Labor
- Active Labor
- Transition
- The Resting Phase
- The Descent Phase (Second Stage Labor)
- The Crowning and Birth Phase
- The Placental Phase or Third Stage Labor
Comfort Measures During Labor
An important chapter in The Birth Partner is the chapter that discusses the myriad of coping measures available to a birthing mother, and Penny Simkin discusses the Three R’s – Relaxation, Rhythm and Ritual. The Birth Partner also discusses strategies for difficult labors that may not go text-book perfect.
Some of the many ways to comfort a laboring woman that are mentioned include:
- Relaxation
- Visualization
- Rhythmic Breathing and Moaning
- Focal Points – Attention Focusing
- Movement and Position Changes
- Baths and Showers
- Birth Ball
- Heat and Cold Therapies
- TENS Units
- Massage and Loving Touch
- Hip Squeeze and Counter Pressure
- Music and Sound
- Aromatherapy and Pleasant Scents
Medical Interventions During Labor
The next section of The Birth Partner talks about the medical side of childbirth and covers the potential complications and interventions that can happen during childbirth. In an honest, non-scary and informative way, Simkin introduces the pros and cons of the various medical interventions used during labor. The Birth Partner also highlights the circumstances under which they may be necessary.
Helping the Mother After the Birth
The post partum period can be a very difficult time for a new mother, physically and emotionally. As her birth partner your support is as critical as ever. With wise words, helpful suggestions and simple tips, The Birth Partner helps you help a new mother. Resources are given as well in case additional help is needed beyond the scope of The Birth Partner book.
A balanced and very helpful view of childbirth, labor and delivery; if a labor support person reads only one book during a woman’s pregnancy The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin should be that one.
Angela England - Angela England is a problogger, mother of four (yes I know what causes that), speaker, teacher, labor doula, gardener and so much more.
Join the Conversation