Partners Matter in Childbirth Education (and Why I Love Having Them in Class)

When I tell people I teach childbirth education, I often hear:

“Oh, so you teach moms what to expect?”

Yes… but also no. Because here’s the thing, birth is a team event, and partners are a huge part of the story.

Whether your partner is a spouse, boyfriend, girlfriend, best friend, sister, or parent—whoever you choose to have by your side—their role is more than just “holding your hand” in the delivery room. The right kind of support can literally change how you experience labor, both emotionally and physically.

The Research Has Been Clear for Decades

Studies have consistently shown that when birthing people have continuous, informed support from a partner, they tend to have:

• Shorter labors

• Less need for pain medication

• Lower rates of cesarean birth

• Better emotional outcomes postpartum

(That’s not just my opinion—that’s from credible sources like the Cochrane Database, which reviewed dozens of trials and thousands of births.)

What Partners Learn in Class Isn’t Just “Fluff”

Some partners worry that childbirth classes will be all about breathing patterns or “things only the pregnant person needs to know.” But I teach them to:

• Recognize labor signs early so they know when to call the provider or head to the birth location.

• Offer comfort measures; things like counter pressure, position changes, and using the environment (lights, music, movement) to make labor more manageable.

• Advocate effectively by asking the right questions and understanding the birth plan, so they can help navigate hospital routines or unexpected changes.

• Stay calm under pressure because labor can be intense, and your partner’s energy affects yours.

Why It Matters for Your Relationship

Childbirth isn’t just the birth of a baby, it’s the birth of a family. When partners are prepared, they’re not just “watching” the process; they’re participating in it.

I’ve seen it so many times:

• The look of pride when a partner helps get through a tough contraction.

• The quiet smile when they remember to offer water at just the right moment.

• The sense of accomplishment when they realize they were part of the story, not just a spectator.

In My Classes, Partners Aren’t “Extras”

I make it a point to include partners in everything we do. We practice comfort measures together. We talk about how they can help emotionally and physically. We even go over how to take care of themselves during labor so they can be steady for you.

Because when partners are engaged and informed, the whole birth experience shifts—it becomes something you did together.

If you’re expecting and you have a partner, bring them to class. Even if they think they “don’t need it.” Even if they’re nervous. Especially if they’re nervous. The skills and confidence they’ll gain can be the difference between feeling helpless and feeling like the rock you can lean on.

After all, birth isn’t just about getting through it—it’s about how you both remember it.