Ready, Set, Support: A Partner’s Guide to Pregnancy Preparation

This post is for the partners.  It's not unusual in pregnancy, for partners to feel somewhat disconnected to the pregnancy and the process. You're  feeling changes happening in your body but your partner isn't. This is often especially true in the first two trimesters. Many partners at this point occupy themselves with more of the practical concerns of pregnancy. How will we be able to afford a baby? Is our home big enough etc.

Here are some things to think about as the non-pregnant partner.

• You are your pregnant partner's biggest and best support both in pregnancy and also during birth. No-one knows them like you do. Make time daily if you can to check in with each other and to talk about what might be on each others minds

 

• Start educating yourself about birth. Your partner may only just be entering the second trimester but you'll be surprised how quickly time goes. ​The Birth Partner by Penny Simkin​ is an excellent book written especially for partners.

 

• Start looking for birth classes now. I know it seems early but they fill up quickly. Be an active participant in the class with your partner. Hollywood has you believe that the partner just sits off at the side during childbirth and that is far from the truth. You are their advocate, their emotional and their physical support. ​Birth Class Seattle's​ classes are small group classes offering both partners plenty of opportunities to ask questions and practice all you need to know. You'll discover together what kind of support your partner needs from you as well as what you will need from each other.

 

• Be prepared to experience some strong emotions both during the birth as you watch your loved one give birth, but also during the pregnancy. You are both going through a major life transition and it's important to honor and make space for whatever feelings arise.

 

• Consider thinking about a ritual that belongs to just you and the baby that you can continue throughout the pregnancy and beyond. Babies in utero start being able to hear outside sounds at around 18 weeks. Some partners read to their baby every evening. Some play a particular piece of music to them. It can be a beautiful experience to see your newborn baby respond to your voice that they. have been hearing throughout the pregnancy. Your partner may be the one breastfeeding them, but your baby will come out already knowing and having a bond with you too. ​