Going into labor can be an overwhelming experience, especially for first-time mothers. Because of this, it’s important for pregnant women to have someone beside them during childbirth, a support person to help them through the experience. The role of a support person is crucial, as they are needed at a time when the expecting mother needs the physical presence and moral encouragement of someone she trusts.
Throughout pregnancy, women may go through significant stress and challenges to their physical well-being and mental health. It reaches its peak during labor. If you are an expecting mother or if you’re going to be a support person for one, you should ensure that you’re well-informed and ready for what will happen. You can read books on the topic or look for resources online to find more info. It would also help to learn from people who have been through the experience; talk to people you may know, or ask people in a relevant online community about their experiences.
In the meantime, here are a few updates that expecting mothers should be aware of.
WHO Recommends Chosen Companions
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that pregnant women should be allowed to choose their companion during labor and childbirth. In a recent report, entitled Companion of choice during labour and childbirth for improved quality of care,’ WHO presented information on the benefits of having a chosen companion. According to them, there is evidence that having a chosen support person who can give psychological, emotional, and practical support can significantly contribute to the health and well-being of a woman in labor. The support person can also serve as a witness should the baby have any birth injury.
A support person can help with a delivery in ways that other people may not be able to. For example, since they are someone that the mother trusts, their presence alone can significantly help in relieving her pain and anxiety. This can allow the mother to feel as calm and comfortable as possible during labor.
In addition, if the mother is unable to communicate at some point during the delivery, the support person should be able to fill any communication gaps between her and the healthcare workers giving her primary care. They can inform the staff about medications the mother may be allergic to, as well as invasive procedures she may not be comfortable with. They can also communicate any special requests or needs that she may have.
Some Hospitals Allow You To Choose Your Support Person
Some hospitals may allow you to choose or indicate your support person. When planning for the delivery, you should do your research on the guidelines of your chosen birthing center or hospital, just to ensure that they allow you the freedom to choose. There are certain hospitals that only allow immediate family in the delivery room, so if your preferred support person doesn’t fall within that category, you should look for a facility that respects your choice of companion.
The Pandemic Has Challenged The Need For Support Persons
Most medical facilities all over the world and the healthcare system in general continue to face enormous challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. At the height of the first surge, health professionals and experts were at a loss on how to manage the influx of patients, most of whom required critical care. Most hospitals found themselves flooded with patients, and in many facilities, regular rooms had to be converted to intensive care units. At the same time, new safety protocols were implemented, and guidelines became stricter.
As all this was happening, hospitals and medical facilities still had to continue attending to non-COVID patients with the same care and attention as before. Due to the deadly nature of the airborne virus, medical staff had to take extra precautions with patients who were considered at risk, particularly children and pregnant women. Protocols on maximum occupancy and social distancing were implemented, and to further mitigate the risk of infections, some hospitals no longer allowed support persons within the delivery room and, in some cases, within the hospital itself.
However, WHO maintains that pregnant women should not be deprived of their right to maternity care and should thus be allowed to retain a support person during labor. To raise public awareness on this topic, the organization has called on all countries and their healthcare systems to engage in meaningful discussions on the importance of support persons during childbirth.
Bottom Line
The importance of having a support person during labor is often understated, but it’s something that should be given consideration as expecting mothers prepare for childbirth. Having a chosen companion to offer support and reassurance brings the mother a number of benefits, and so it’s considered a significant part of proper maternity care.
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