Giving birth is no easy deal. There is lot involved physically as well as emotionally. A good birth partner can be really helpful in such a time when you are at your most vulnerable point in life. However, selecting a good birth partner is not always easy. You have to think about several things before you can make that decision. You have to remember one thing: you will be fully dependant on your birth partner during that time, so you have to select someone who is capable of handling such pressure and yet able to support you as well.

Generally, women go for their partner or the baby’s father, their best friend or their mother as the birth partner. An idea about each of these potential birth partners is given here, so you can make the right decision.

Your partner

Your partner is the one who has been with you for the whole time you were carrying the child and he has been supportive and helped you through that tough time. So, it would only be obvious that you select him to be with you at this climax of the whole nine months that you have both gone through together. Some women find that having their partner with them during labour provides a lot of support and help to them; however, some others have different experiences. It depends entirely on you and how much you know your partner in this area.

You can sit with him, have a calm discussion about your concerns, and encourage him to talk about his concerns also. Try to prepare him for what he may expect because sometimes he may feel out of place in the labour room, with you in deep pain and he not even being able to help you in any way. Also, prepare him that you might get angry at him and even swear.

You can have attend antenatal classes with you, get him to read some birth stuff and if he is prepared enough, he will make a great birth partner and both of you can share this wonderful experience together.

Best friend

Sometimes women find that having a best friend is better than having your partner with you because you can be what you like in front of your best friend. You can count on her, because she probably has seen the best and the worst of you. However, she might need some training if she herself is not a mother. Therefore, be careful about this because if she has not gone through this before, she might be overwhelmed with the tension.

You can choose your best friend if she has given birth and is also a positive and calm person in whose presence you know you will feel relaxed.

Mother

She is the best choice after your partner because you know she has done it before and she knows all of you, good, bad and ugly. Therefore, you need not worry when she is around because you know she can handle it.

However, if your partner cannot get along with her, then she might be a difficult choice.

Doula

Doula is from Greek and it means woman servant or caregiver. She can offer emotional and practical support during and after birth. She is a professional and has to be privately paid for, which can be expensive.

You can find one by calling 0871 433 3103 or by visiting www.doula.org.uk