You want to be the best birth partner you can be. Let us help with nine useful guidelines!

1. Labor support is a key element to having a positive birth and postpartum experience. As a birth partner, you’ll want to identify the information and support you’ll need early on.
2. As you learn more about the process of birth, you will discover your strengths in offering support, and you can decide how you want to contribute to the birth of this child. Will you be the primary support, work more with the other support team members or be by the mother’s side with your full love and support while others do the hands-on work? A birth partner can serve in any manner that helps your partner during labor, so be comfortable, in whatever role you both agree fits best. 
3. Whether you decide to actively provide labor support or focus on emotional encouragement, simply being present makes a difference. The birth partner is usually the one who best knows their loved ones preferences and can interpret their cues to others. Your personal history is something the rest of the team doesn’t have. 
4. In order to offer care during labor, you must also care for yourself. Eating and drinking during labor will give you the energy you need. Wear comfortable clothes and let the doula or nurse care for your partner while you take an occasional break. 
5. Ask questions. Unless you are birthing at home, you are in an unfamiliar setting surrounded by unfamiliar people. A doula can help you get the attention of the health-care provider so that you are heard if you have a question or concern. 
6. Be prepared to experience some strong emotions. Often, a birth partner is so absorbed in offering support during labor and remaining strong that they are surprised by the powerful feelings of love and awe that accompany seeing your loved one give birth.
7. You and the mother may have the most familiar voices to the infant. When you talk to the baby, they experience a feeling of calmness that has a positive effect on his transition to the outside world. Stroking the baby and skin-to-skin contact reduces stress hormones and improves his breathing and temperature regulation. 
8. The postpartum period is a mix of joyous and difficult moments. The unpredictability of each day and getting to know your baby can often make for an unexpected, challenging situation.
9. After the excitement of birth dies down a bit, enjoy quiet time with the mother and baby, and delight in the miracle of birth and the part you played.