Partner Support During Labor
Labor is a Team Effort
Physical therapists can who specialize in pelvic health can help guide partners to understand how movement, positioning, breathing, and body mechanics can directly impact labor progression and pain management.
From a PT perspective, labor support is not about “fixing” pain, but rather helping the body work with the natural process of birth as efficiently and comfortably as possible.
A partner can help encourage movement throughout labor by:
Assisting with walking
Supported squats
Gentle rocking on a birthing ball
Position changes that promote pelvic mobility
These movements can help optimize baby’s positioning while also reducing tension and discomfort in the low back, hips, and pelvic floor.
Breathing and Relaxation Techniques
One area where partner support is incredibly valuable. During labor, the nervous system can easily shift into a stress response, which may increase muscle tension and amplify pain.
A calm, reassuring partner can help guide breathing patterns, provide grounding cues, and create a sense of safety that allows mom to relax more effectively between contractions. It is important to reduce unnecessary muscle guarding, especially in the pelvic floor and surrounding muscles, to support efficient labor progress.
Techniques:
Counterpressure on the low back (see photo)
Hip squeezes (see video below from MamasteFit)
Perhaps most importantly, partner support during labor provides emotional reassurance that complements the physical strategies being used. Birth can feel unpredictable and physically demanding, but having a partner who understands how to assist with movement, positioning, and comfort measures can help mom feel more empowered and less overwhelmed.
When partners are educated and actively involved, they become an essential part of creating a supportive environment that encourages confidence, mobility, and connection throughout labor and delivery.
Work with a Physical Therapist to Prepare for Birth
If you live in Portsmouth, New Hampshire or the Seacoast of New Hampshire and want to work with a physical therapist that is experienced in birth preparation, we would love to help you at Anchor Physical Therapy & Performance. We work with women through all phases of pregnancy and postpartum so they can feel good and empowered throughout the process.
New Hampshire and Massachusetts Residents: we offer virtual physical therapy sessions if coming in person is too challenging. A lot can still be accomplished in a virtual session.
Additional Resources
Partner “Workout” from MamasteFit:
