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About support after the birth

About support after the birth

As the woman's partner or support person, your physical and emotional support of her will need to continue during the 1st hour following the birth, with the same unconditional love as given throughout the preceding labour. It is not uncommon for partners and support people to unintentionally pull back or shut down their support upon the arrival of the new baby.

The focus can easily shift from the woman to the baby, with the woman being 'forgotten' in a sense, as the excitement of seeing the baby and contacting relatives overtakes the emotions. It may be that the subconscious perception of it 'being over' can also lead to overlooking her physical and emotional needs.

Watch and listen, let her guide you. If she seems tired or overwhelmed, ask her what she needs. She may be glowing after the birth and feeling like she can do anything or she may feel 'shell-shocked', needing time and space to catch up with what has happened. Emotionally she may be on a high, but physically her body has undergone the equivalent to a triathlon or two! She may need time to integrate the labour and birth or she may need to rest. Try and remain sensitive to her needs at this amazing time and of course shower her with admiration.

It is important for you to physically help her as much as possible and support her if she is feeling fragile. Stay close by in case she feels light headed. If she does not wish to hold her baby immediately, offer to hold the baby close by until she is ready.

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