Comforting Touch Techniques for Birth Partners

For some birth givers touch can be such a comfort during labor. For those that do enjoy it, touch during labor can benefit in a few different ways:

• During contractions touch can be used to help a birth giver cope. 

  
  

• In between contractions massage can help to relax the birth giver. This can help with letting go within the pause before the next contractions begins.

  
  

• Touch can strengthen the connection between the labouring person and those supporting them.

  
  

• This loving physical connection can also reduce anxiety and bring in a sense of calm.

  
  

It is important to ask for consent before touching and to check in from time to time that what you are doing is feeling good. Not all those in labour want or need touch. It is also normal for needs to change during labour. Although comforting touch may have been helpful during the beginning of labour does not necessarily mean that touch will be helpful throughout. Check ins are helpful here!

When using touch as a comfort measure during contractions, steady and consistent pressure can feel good for some. We often refer to this as “Counter Pressure”. This can look like hip squeezes or sacral (tail bone) pressure. Experiment with hand placement and pressure until you find what works best for the birth giver. When using counter pressure, hold in place as the contraction builds and gently start to let go as the contraction tapers away.

Within the space between contractions we can use touch to help the birth giver to find relaxation and work on letting go. Keeping our strokes steady, slow, and smooth can help to encourage a restful space. This touch can be used along the shoulders and arms, the back, down the legs, really anywhere that feels good to the receiver. 

For some, very light touch is a big comfort. Think of using the very tips of your fingers and run them softly up and down the arms, along shoulders or tracing on the back. Be mindful that you aren’t trying to tickle the birth giver (unless they truly enjoy that). Another soft touch could be running your hands through their hair or brushing their hair for them. This can feel so nurturing for some.

Touch can also team up beautifully with encouraging words. Use the loving words that come naturally to you within your relationship. Remind the birth giver that they are strong, they are safe, they are powerful, and soon they will have their baby in their arms.

If you are working with a doula to support you in your birth experience, ask them to discuss and demonstrate some ways touch can be helpful when you have one of your prenatal meetings. It can be fun to practice and experiment with what does and doesn’t feel good. 

If you have chosen to not work with a doula, you can find some great videos on YouTube on counter pressure that can guide you with some tips and tricks. You can also look in your local area to see if there are any in-person workshop on conducting touch

Have some fun with it! Even before birth- touch will strengthen the connection between birth giver and partner/support person and release some beautiful oxytocin!

This blog post was written by Ottawa Doula, Michele Appleby Clarida. Michele is a certified Aromatherapist, certified Reflexologist, Reiki Practitioner, and Certified Birth Doula. Michele is honoured to be serving Ottawa and the surrounding areas to have supportive birth and postpartum experiences.