Let’s look at labor from the perspective of a support person, because often expectations are not quite reality. While of course you can never be fully prepared, it can be reassuring in the midst of labor to know that what you are experiencing is normal.
4 Things to Expect About Labor as a Support Person
Labor Can Be Boring
You’ve seen the TV shows and movies where a woman is giving birth. People are running around like crazy. Mom is screaming. There is hardly anytime in between contractions. In reality, labor can be long. Sure some women have a precipitous labor, labor lasting less than 5 hours, but typically that is not the case. On average, labor lasts 11.5 to 19 hours. If as the support person you go into the birth knowing this, you can help keep yourself and mom patient. During labor, you may find yourself doing the same thing over and over during those 11.5 to 19 hours. Maybe it’s rubbing mom’s back, pouring water over her, or physically supporting her while you sway. Whatever it is, prepare to be in it for the long haul. Even the second stage of labor, pushing, can last 20 minutes to 2 hours on average with 3-5 minutes between contractions. It is your job as a support person to keep mom encouraged throughout.Labor Can Be Exhausting For You Too

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