Before the date

Familiarize yourself with the house. Find out where various things are kept. For example, towels, sheets, food and drinks that may be required during the labour, essential oils or herbal remedies that may be required, cleaning items.

Find out if she may want music during the birth. If so, find out how their sound system works and which CD's or tapes she may want.

When you arrive

Be aware of your energy and attitude when you come in. Chances are the labour may have been progressing for some time before you arrive.

Check that there is food and drink available. Find out if her partner needs to have a break. Encourage the partner to have something to eat if appropriate.

Attend to the music, candles and essential oils if required.

Make sure that the labouring woman as something to drink at all times. Encourage her to keep her fluids up and to eat.

Help fill the pool if a water birth is anticipated.

Other ways in which you may be able to help; massage, cool face washers, reflexology, pressure points, hot water bottle.

Be willing to do whatever is asked of you.

After the birth

Be respectful of the couple's needs. They may want to spend sometime alone with their new baby.

Have items ready for the new mum to take a shower. Towels, dressing gown, underwear, pads.

Prepare food for everyone. Place a jug of water in easy reach of the mother.

Help tidy up.

Put soiled linen and towels through a cold cycle as soon as practical.

Article prepared by Akal Khalsa

Akal Khalsa is a Sydney based midwife and provides midwifery services including: homebirths, pre-conception consultations, childbirth preparation, nutritional advise and breastfeeding support.

For more information Contact Akal.