How to be a Good Birthing Partner (C-Section)
Supporting your partner during a C-Section is a vital role, but it also comes with emotional challenges of its own. As a birthing partner, you provide emotional and physical support during a crucial time.
But remember, it’s essential to take care of yourself too. Here’s how you can be the best birthing partner while maintaining your well-being.
The role and responsibilities of a birthing partner
As a birthing partner, your responsibilities are multifaceted. You’ll offer emotional reassurance, practical assistance, and advocacy for your partner’s wishes before, during, and after the C-section.
However, part of this role also involves recognising and managing your emotional health.
Before the birth
Education
Understanding the C-section process, including what happens before, during, and after surgery, helps you prepare for the birth. This knowledge reduces uncertainty and enables you to offer informed support to your partner.
Birth plan
Work with your partner to create a birth plan that reflects her preferences, even in the case of a scheduled C-section. Discuss these details in advance so you are aligned and can advocate for her wishes during the procedure.
Communication
Open communication is crucial throughout the entire process. Discuss any concerns, expectations, and emotions with your partner so you can work together as a team. Regularly check in on how she’s feeling and express your thoughts.
During the c-section
Emotional support
During the surgery, your partner may experience anxiety or nervousness. Being a calm, steady presence and offering words of comfort can help her feel more at ease.
Holding her hand, reassuring her, and focusing on the moment can make a big difference.
Physical support
Though you can’t assist with the surgery, you can provide practical physical support—adjusting her pillows, helping with water (if allowed), or ensuring she’s comfortable.
Simple gestures matter during this time.
Advocating for your partner
It’s important to advocate for your partner’s preferences, especially if she cannot speak up for herself during the procedure. Make sure the medical team is aware of her birth plan and ask questions when needed to ensure her needs are met.
Self-Care During the Birth
As much as you support your partner, don’t forget your well-being. Take deep breaths, stay hydrated, and ensure you’re mentally prepared for the experience.
Feeling anxious is expected, so if you need a moment to gather yourself, stepping out briefly is okay.
After the birth
Postpartum support
Your role doesn’t end with the birth. In the early recovery period, your partner will need assistance with mobility, pain management, and adjusting to life after surgery. This could mean helping her with baby care, monitoring her pain, or assisting her in getting rest.
Emotional and physical support
While your partner recovers physically, she may also need significant emotional support. Be patient and gentle as she navigates postpartum emotions and the changes in her body. Help manage visitors and give her space to rest and recover.
Communication
Don’t bottle up your feelings. Openly communicate how you feel throughout the process, whether about stress, fatigue, or any concerns. Talking with your partner or someone close to you can prevent you from feeling overwhelmed.
Dad’s/Co-parents Mental Health
Recognising that you, as the birthing partner, can also experience emotional challenges is essential. Men or other birthing partners may feel pressure to be the “strong one,” but it’s okay to acknowledge feelings of fear, stress, or even helplessness.
Postnatal depression and birth trauma aren’t exclusive to the birthing mother—partners can experience these, too.
Preparation and open communication are vital to a successful birthing partner during a C-section. By staying informed, supporting your partner emotionally and physically, and paying attention to your well-being, you can navigate the experience with confidence and care.
Being both a robust support system and looking after yourself will help you transition smoothly into this new chapter of life.
Written by: Midwife Laura