STYLETHREAD -- LET'S TALK SHOP!

Teresa · Kate Spade

worst birth coach ever

Elle · Hermes

If you're willing to do a bit of reading, I recommend The Birth Partner . You might even be able to get it from a library, if you'd rather not buy it.

Other than that, I'd speak with your friend about it. Try to find out her preferances when it comes to pain relief, interventions, etc. She'll probably also be able to let you know how she normally responds to pain and what coping mechanisms work/don't work, but be prepared to have a thick skin and stay calm if she gets overwhelmed. Knowing what to expect is really difficult, because nobody really knows what to expect! Assuming things progress normally for her, what to expect will likely hinge on whether or not she opts for pain relief. Let me know what she says after you guys talk and I can probably offer some more specifics.

If you guys could go on a hospital tour at the place she'll be delivering together that would be awesome! Also, I'd make sure to pack a bag for yourself (now! she really could go at any time) with some fresh clothes, toothbrush, snacks, ibuprofen, water, etc. Probably a book or something too, just in case.

FashionPrincess · Hermes

I agree with Elle, talk to her and see what she wants/expects of a birth coach. The main responsibility of a birth coach is to keep the mom calm and relaxed. For me, I needed hubby to tell me where I was in the contraction and if it had peaked yet, was coming down, whatever. And I squeezed the heck out of his hand at times

It also was important to me that he get me what I needed, ice chips, hard candies, fan me, call for the nurse. And then when it came time to push he counted my pushes for me and assured me I was doing a good job (actually he did that the whole time). He was also in charge of calling/emailing everyone to tell them the news, I made list for him to try to avoid forgetting anyone. I would see if you could get a crash childbirthing course at a local community center or the hospital, but one way or another make sure you know what to expect and how to read the contractions and how to count pushes, etc. Hope that helps! Good luck, I'm sure she's glad to know she'll have you there with her!