For FAR too long partners have been banished from the labor room — they weren’t a support — they just weren’t a bother. But, here we are in 2026 and support is more important than ever. The thing is, it just doesn’t come naturally (and we didn’t watch our parents navigate this well either). Today I want to give 10 tips to helping your partner in the labor room.
You want to be sure to learn partner tips from someone who’s seen a LOT of couples. After 20 years in the labor room (some of you might know me as The Pregnancy Nurse®) and a thousand+ births I feel pretty confident in these tips will help you BOTH have a better birth!
But, if you want more than just a few tips — be sure to check this out.
1. Keep Eating (Yes, Really!)
It’s common for moms to avoid food during labor, either because they’re told to or just don’t feel like eating. Partners sometimes try to join in solidarity and skip meals, but you need to keep your energy and blood sugar up to be a helpful support — not another person in need of care! Sneak out for café snacks, stash trail mix, or coordinate food with your partner. Just avoid strong-smelling foods in the delivery room — nobody wants to labor next to KFC!
Looking for more delivery room info — be sure to check out these posts:
- Episiotomy vs a Natural Tear: Which Is Better?
- Common Choices During Labor
- How to Push During Labor (What No One Explains)
- How to Feel Confident Making Choices During Labor
- Secret Keys to Labor that No One Talks About
2. Own Early Labor
Early labor often happens at home. This is your time to shine! Many partners feel nervous or unsure, but with some basic prep, you can really help with comfort measures and pain management. These skills don’t come naturally to most of us — which is exactly why my Online Prenatal Class for Couples was built for both of you, not just mom.
3. Be the Nurse’s Helper
Once you’re in the hospital, find ways to assist both your partner and the nursing staff. Offer to fetch ice chips, help with repositioning, or just let the nurse know you’re there to support. This keeps you involved, gives you a purpose, and makes you way more helpful than just sitting anxiously in the corner.
4. Be the Chauffeur and Navigator
You’re in charge of logistics: know where to park, which entrance to use, and how to find the labor unit. Consider a hospital tour or a trial run so you’re not scrambling when it’s time to go. When you act with confidence, mom feels safer and less anxious.
5. Take Charge of Communication
You’re the point person for updating family and friends — with mom’s consent! Have a list of contacts and know who needs to be updated and when. Clear communication helps mom feel informed and in control, while ensuring everyone gets the info they need.
BTW, talking through who needs to know what when (also, who’s invited into the labor room) is something you can discuss with your birth plan. Join my free series on them here (to do them the RIGHT way):
6. Learn Comfort Measures
Not everyone in labor wants a back rub or a foot massage! Sometimes a gentle hand or scalp massage is just right. Being flexible and responsive to your partner’s preferences goes a long way — and knowing a few techniques ahead of time makes all the difference. My Online Prenatal Class for Couples covers exactly what to do and when so you’re not guessing in the moment.
Have you checked a birth class off your to do list✅? I have a few I recommend:
❤️ Best class for couples {per BabyList}
👩💻 Best class available on demand
⚡ Best class JUST for pain management
👶 Best Postpartum-Only Prep
❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 My favorite class is here.
Now is the time to get started!
7. Don’t Take Labor Personally
Labor puts everyone’s nerves on edge — especially mom’s. You might get snapped at or told not to touch, but it’s just the stress and pain talking. Don’t get your feelings hurt. Stay patient and recognize it’s not about you.
Looking for more partner tips? — be sure to check out these posts:
- What STD Tests are given to Pregnant Women?
- How to Be a Supportive Husband and Partner During Pregnancy
- What To Do About A Selfish Husband During Pregnancy?
- My Boyfriend Says I Feel Different Inside During Pregnancy
8. Manage Your Anxiety
Your anxiety is contagious. If you’re stressed, your partner will feel it too. Knowledge and preparation help you feel more grounded, which in turn helps your partner stay calm and confident.
9. Get Prepared — Not Just Mom!
Don’t leave all the preparation to the person giving birth. Couples who prepare together do better together. My Online Prenatal Class for Couples was designed specifically for both of you — so you walk into that hospital as a real team, not just a patient and a bystander.
10. Stay Involved — Even After Birth
Your helpfulness shouldn’t end once baby arrives. Stay curious and engaged: learn from the postpartum nurse, ask questions about baby care, and be proactive about involvement. Don’t be the partner scrolling TikTok in the corner — your participation is needed now more than ever.
Having a postpartum plan can help you both manage this better too!
Your actions make the difference. Being an informed, responsive, and confident partner in labor is truly one of the best gifts you can give. Prepare together — not scared — and you will both be amazed at what a difference it makes. My Online Prenatal Class for Couples has everything you both need to walk in feeling ready.
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