Supporting Birth Partners For Better Perinatal Outcomes

Abstract

The way in which maternity staff speak to and treat the women and birthing people in their care is pivotal to strengthening maternity services and improving outcomes for all families. This is true of birth partners too. Yes, the woman or birthing person is paramount and the focus of care, but the person sat by their side is not only witness to the whole experience – they also play a significant role in the labour journey and the transition to parenthood. They are often the person who ‘fills in the blanks’ after pain, tiredness or focus has overwhelmed their loved one.