As her partner or support person your physical and emotional support of the woman during the 1st stage of the labour will need to continue with the same unconditional love throughout the 2nd stage. As she moves into the pushing phase her needs may be very different. Perhaps her 'hands on' will change to 'hands off' physical support or her emotional independence could swing to needing you desperately, or visa versa. Often her awareness will return and she can be quite specific about what she does or does not want. Or she may fall asleep during the resting phase and be hard to rouse or communicate with. Listen and watch, let her guide you.
Staff could come and go in preparation for the birth. It is important to still provide and maintain a safe and positive environment for her while this is happening. You will need to be sensitive to her needs and possibly adjust your support strategies, depending on where she is in the birth process and how she is dealing with it.
The following are some suggestions that may assist you in your role as a support person in the 2nd stage of the labour. They include:
Facilitating her privacy and a safe environment
Offering her fluids and reminding her to empty her bladder
Giving her physical contact, communication and listening
Massage and acupressure
Helping her into positions
Assisting her to rest between contractions
Breathing or panting with her when she needs guidance
Offering her heat/cold packs, warm compresses, shower, bath
Communication with her and your caregiver(s)
Sounds
Staying calm