How to Be an Active Birth Partner During Transition

The transition phase marks the final stage of active labor before your partner reaches the pushing phase of childbirth. It is a short phase that lasts only about 30 minutes to two hours, but it is also an extremely intense phase, as her body finishes the work of dilating her cervix. Contractions can seem unbearable during this time, coming close together and with extreme vigor. Fortunately, your partner is there for you, to provide rock-solid support and undivided attention.

Instructions

    • 1

      Learn about the signs of transition before your partner gets there. During this phase, her cervix will dilate from about 8 to 10 cm as the baby descends further into the pelvic inlet (birthing canal). Quite quickly, her contractions will become much stronger and will occur much closer together. Each contraction will last between 60 and 90 seconds, alternating with a rest period of just 30 seconds to two minutes.

    • 2

      Remind your partner how much progress she has made. This is the end of the first stage of labor, so reassure her that she has just a little more to go before she can begin pushing. Even if her labor has progressed quickly, she might still feel like it has taken many hours to get to this point, and the severity of the contractions during transition probably has her worried about how she'll get through hours more. Tell your partner that she doesn̵7;t have hours more to endure. In fact, she's almost done.

    • 3

      Help your partner focus on the visualization of holding her baby in her arms. While the labor pains are severe now, seeing and holding her new baby will feel exponentially good. Remind her that this is the last phase -- the last few minutes before her body is ready to bring her baby into the world.

    • 4

      Assess your partner's needs to serve as a guide to the best course of action. While you might have planned on talking her through this stage, some women focus inward to make it through this final stretch, and your silent, reassuring hand might be all she needs from you at this point. Alternatively, if she is very focused on the pain, she might need your encouragement. During this phase, it's possible she'll feel like she can't take anymore or won't make it through. She might need your reassurance that it's almost over -- it might be just the encouragement she needs to overcome the pain.

    • 5

      Help your partner keep her breathing regulated. If you've taken Lamaze classes together, help her focus on her breathing exercises. If she is not using the Lamaze method, help her breath regularly during contractions. Remind her to avoid holding her breath for long periods of time or breathing too quickly. Holding her breath can lead to an inadequate oxygen supply for mother and baby, and breathing too quickly can cause her to hyperventilate.

    • 6

      Stay in the room and stay calm, particularly if you are the primary support person. Leaving during transition -- even if the parking meter is empty -- can cause panic if she's been focused on you up to this point. Several events can take place during transition: Your partner might become overwhelmed, cry or even vomit. It's your job to stay calm and reassuring throughout. Make eye contact and use a calm, low and steady voice. If she is crying, don't try to make her stop, but rather let her "get it out" because crying can serve as a significant emotional release, allowing her to center herself for the upcoming task of delivering her baby. If she is vomiting, hold her hair back for her, rub her back if she welcomes your touch and continue to reassure her that her baby will be in her arms soon.

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