Bonding with the Baby

Partners and family members are encouraged to take an active role during pregnancy and the birth process. Parenting begins in the womb, and you can begin to bond with the growing baby very early. Talking and singing to the baby, reading the baby stories, giving the mom massages, and writing the story of the pregnancy in a baby book are all ways to begin to get to know your little one.

Supporting the Pregnant Mom

Communicating with your partner is very important during pregnancy. Her body is going through many changes right now and she will need someone to listen to her hopes, dreams, and concerns. Foods she loves may suddenly taste bad to her and she may want more or less sexual contact. Communication and sensitivity go a long way.

Some things that people can do to help the pregnant woman include: helping her relax and release tension with massage, stretching, and/or walks; helping with food preparation and house work; attending prenatal visits and childbirth classes with the mom; making a birth plan for the labor and birth; marveling at her continuously changing body; spending time doing romantic things before the baby comes; and of course, reading information on pregnancy, childbirth, and parenting.

Loved Ones at the Birth

Having a partner, family member, doula, or friend can really help during the labor and birth. Dads may want to catch the baby as he or she is coming out of the birth canal. This is a very powerful experience, to welcome your baby into the world. Each labor and birth is unique and each woman will need different things as her labor progresses. Many women find having someone to walk, rock, shower, and moan with who loves them and believes in their body's ability to birth can make an enormous difference in their ability to handle pain and to keep labor progressing normally. Birth is a very intimate and vulnerable time and it is nice to be surrounded by loved ones. The baby too will be blessed to be welcomed into the world with love.

Children at the Birth

Children are often fascinated by birth. Children who have witnessed their sibling's birth are more likely to bond quickly and be protective of the baby. Through being present at birth, children learn the amazing power and wonder of birth and this affects their body image and future childbirth choices.