Support during Childbirth
Women in labour need companionship and support. Over the last thirty years, their male partner has tended to adopt this role.
It is not known whether this trend is a good idea. Even so, many women want their partner to be present to give emotional support and many men wish to be there too.
It is known that continuous support from a female caregiver improves childbirth for women. (This includes trained caregivers such as midwives, doulas, and childbirth educators. It also includes female friends or relatives.) Their support reduces the need for pain relief, and makes it more likely that a woman will give birth without assistance. Women who have had this support are also likely to more satisfied with their birth experience.
Research shows that the support gives greater benefits: if it is provided by someone who is not a member of hospital staff; if it begins early in labour; and if the birth is in a place where epidurals are not routinely available.
Where women are giving birth in hospital, they will benefit from having a female supporter in addition to a midwife. You can find out more about being supported by a Doula (experienced female offering emotional and practical support before, during or after birth) at www.doula.org.uk.
[This research summary includes information from the following leaflet produced by MIDIRS:
Informed Choice for Women No.1 - Support in Labour
For details on how to purchase the Informed Choice leaflets go to the Informed Choice website. For copies of the leaflet phone MIDIRS on 0800 581009]
For more detailed research evidence, click here
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