The short answer to this question is yes!
Of course your partner can be your only labor support person. The question you really should be asking is “SHOULD they be my only labor support person?” Before deciding if you want your partner to be your only support person, ask yourself this:
- Has my partner ever given birth or witnessed a birth? (A video does not count)
- How does my partner do when they see blood, vomit, or other bodily fluids?
- Does my partner have patience when waiting for something to happen? (Or are they the type to always be looking to help speed things up)
- Does my partner do a good job taking care of themselves (eating, drinking, resting) without needing to be reminded?
- Does my partner do well under stress and pressure?
If the answer to all of these questions is yes, then your partner may be great as your only support person for your birth
If not, that’s OK! They are bringing an amazing tool to your labor – their love and support. But you may want to consider hiring a doula. A doula is a trained support person that can support both of you during your labor. Most partners will experience a range of emotions during labor, from joy and excitement to fear and nervousness. We have seen birth many times and knows the stages, sounds, and feel of birth.
I love this quote from Pam England – Birthing From Within “Asking your husband to be your sole guide through labor is like asking him to lead the way on a climb of Mt. Everest. He may be smart and trustworthy, you may love him, but in the Himalayas you’d both be a lot better off with a Sherpa!” It is very difficult for someone to fully support you when they are managing their own intense emotions in a stressful setting! A doula can help you both navigate your emotions and guide you through any unexpected changes to your birth plan, allowing your partner to be fully present with you as your partner instead of as your birth attendant. Your partner is the expert in you. A doula is the expert in birth. Together, we can create an amazing platform of support to make sure you’ve got an incredible support team around you as you prepare to meet your baby. If you are in the Pierce county area, click HERE to check out my birth support page.
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