This Pocket Guide is a 40 page manual for your partner, where you can record your birth wishes, or birth plan, and personal information about what helps you relax.

By having this book with them, your partner will be better acquainted with what you’re going through and will be able to assist you in labor.

 Also included for easy hospital or home birth reference is medical information about risks and benefits of interventions and medications, a contraction chart for you to use to time contractions, and quick reference tips that have worked for countless labouring mothers in the past, for example:

*what to do if you are having back pain

*what to do if labour is stalled

*how to time contractions

*what to do when the water brakes

*what to bring with you if are going to hospital

The Birthpartner’s Pocket Guide is the go-to place to help eliminate the fear that many partners have, namely, that they won't know what to do, or how to help you during labour. This guide can also be referred to by anyone present at your birth, so that they can work with you, rather than against you, in your goal to have a natural, peaceful birth.

 The Birthpartner’s Pocket Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS

TIPS FOR BIRTHPARTNER & SUPPORT PEOPLE  ................................... 3

MY HOSPITAL WISHLIST ...................................................................................8

13 STRATEGIES TO REDUCE UNNECESSARY PAIN IN LABOUR ..............9

9 TIPS TO HELP LABOUR GET GOING NATURALLY: .................................11

WHEN TO CALL YOUR CARE PROVIDER/SUPPORT PEOPLE: ..................11

When to Go to the Hospital: ..............................................................................  ...11

BREATHING TECHNIQUES ...............................................................................12

 BIRTHING POSITIONS........................................................................................15

 COMFORT ITEMS: ..............................................................................................20

EASING BACK LABOUR AND ENCOURAGING BABY TO ROTATE .........21

 TIPS FOR AVOIDING CAESAREAN SECTION ...............................................23

MEDICAL ESSENTIALS  ...................................................................................24

STAGES OF LABOUR .......................................................................................... 24

Pre-Labour:..............................................................................................................24

Early Labour: ..........................................................................................................24

Active Labour: .........................................................................................................25

Transitional Labour:................................................................................................25

INTERVENTIONS RISKS VS. BENEFITS ......................................................... 26

PAIN MEDICATIONS RISKS VS. BENEFITS ................................................... 30

MEDICAL TERMS AND MEANINGS ................................................................ 31

BIRTHING ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST: .........................................................35

For Mom:..................................................................................................................36

For Dad: ...................................................................................................................37

For Baby:..................................................................................................................37

TIMING CONTRACTIONS.................................................................................38

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