Take some time to talk and familiarise yourself with what is important to you both before the labour. This can then facilitate better communication with each other and your caregivers as the birth is happening. Your plans may change as the 2nd stage unfolds. Listen to her and support her choices. Be united with the decisions and choices you make along the way. It may be necessary that you take the main role of the communicator and liaise with her caregivers when necessary, so she is not distracted from her labour.
Sounds
Most women will make some level of noise throughout the labour. In the 1st stage it may range from inward and outward breathing, to sounds becoming deeper or releasing a sound to match the contractions, more rapid and at times higher pitched squeals or screams towards the end of the 1st stage or transition.
During the active pushing of the 2nd stage, the sounds she may make could be more moaning, groaning or grunting sounds, coming from deep within her. Many people will describe them as quite primitive and 'animalistic'. Women use these sounds as a way of releasing the energy and tension within their body and to effectively move the baby down the birth canal.
Do not discourage her from making these low-pitched sounds. Pushing your baby down and out is hard physical work. As the baby's head crowns she may need to pant or even scream. Many women make these noises to enable them to work with the pain of their labour. If you wish to hear the sounds the woman may make during this time you can click on the icon below:
Staying calm
As the partner or support person it is normal to feel nervous when you are watching the effort involved in pushing the baby out or hearing the sounds that the labour and birth can bring. Often your feelings of anxiety are difficult to mask. It is important that you try and overcome them or put them to one side as you support the woman.