--- title: "Would Your Partner Know What To Do? Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond!" date: 2021-06-28T03:00:00-04:00 author: OBOS Admin canonical_url: "https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/would-your-partner-know-what-to-do-pregnancy-birth-beyond" section: Resources --- [Donate](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/donate) [Health & Sexuality Info](/health-info)# Would Your Partner Know What To Do? Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond! A video on how partners can be involved and supportive throughout a pregnancy, as well as what to do once the baby comes home. > When having a baby, there is so much focus on the birthing person. But what about the supporting partner or partners? How can they be involved throughout the pregnancy. What tools can they use to keep the birth parent comfortable during the birth, and how can they stay calm and engaged! Plus, what partners can do when baby comes home. SOURCE: Helping Hands Doula • LAST UPDATED: June 28, 2021 ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)Topics - [ pregnancy & birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/subject-area/pregnancy-birth) - [ diverse experiences of pregnancy & labor](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/diverse-experiences-of-pregnancy-labor) - [ first year of parenting](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/themes/first-year-of-parenting) - [parenting](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/parenting) - [birth](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/birth) - [pregnancy](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/tags/pregnancy) ![](/assets/img/monogram.webp)### *Why You Can* **Trust Us** - We rigorously evaluate all content - We embrace a reproductive justice framework - We don’t accept ads or sell products - We reject funding from the pharmaceutical industry - We counter misinformation and disinformation - We address the social, political, and economic factors that affect health and sexuality [read more](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/why-you-can-trust-us) Share [](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();)[](javascript:void();) ##### More to Explore [ResourcesRead ## Male Doula Aims to Be an Advocate Profile of Dustin Young, a male doula working to make childbirth safer and to educate men about the birthing process. ![Male doula aims to be an advocate for women during childbirth scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) Profile of Dustin Young, a male doula working to make childbirth safer and to educate men about the birthing process.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/male-doula-aims-to-be-an-advocate) [ResourcesRead ## Ten Tips for Taking Charge of Your Maternity Care A top ten list from Childbirth Connection of things to know or think about as you advance through your pregnancy and birth. ![volodymyr-hryshchenko-87ev1NvhDsU-2048x1365](data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAACAAAAAgCAIAAAD8GO2jAAAACXBIWXMAAA7EAAAOxAGVKw4bAAAFJElEQVRIiXVV0ZLjNg7sBkBanlnvzNxtXaUqVff//5bbnWxijyWRAO6Bku1JJbTK1gONRneDTf6XFKAAFTig1reX+jbZU5VqNCbSw3tb13lezuflx0e7AkDF9PTy7fTL28u316//+vry+vX0ejqdnp9Pz0/Px+N0qFMtpaiKKUBAtkdFhSIcC9uHEFIoKgoBEgB0bAO2TQDA8QPsvwDsABAwoEANR61F1VRNVKFMJICIVC2qB60emBOqOEhRilAEJEECtwcPL3YECCiq4Ut5O5bpYLVqMTGFMJFOzWQ6vCImwZdDXmmHSWsRVRF5IDyABqPxAnvCKyCKoqdDOR1sqlqLFqUpBAlIBCEZEp2YlNGz0qzo6EOV3FUdjW8Yu0RHvLBQTqYn0+dix6KHIlVpAjKQEkEqUhGKMMKzQNXKoZoVVVVVoZA3IpteJEja06/PVLKqHlSmopNpVRalSgoz0yPIABSpSBN6GkR0KKlqsq37cNzZAHZ8eaKQJlJVqko1qUpTClMYmRJJOjcAFURYCrXUYlbUdHdCeIMAbjg2fZlIUilFWVSKSlGOESJ9BwAcKUgVRniSYsWsFFFT1U/ViRsDADYdDxgApjQVE5pCBcIkZQNQwDMl4RwAoBVTG9VVVD7pMzAIgnaYKkgKqUoTmlJlAAQgCUaCnimZRAoRIQlQTTeHdbQvHCibuxjfVmolASFVNgwViCQZZGTCE2BkRDBMEkEmATUVMxkMRn2St2ECSBCwUg0gRxMmUKFIiqSQADMTGaCGhyICmSQS5CbMPkJ7ZdwpACTNzABQCJEhDkVSmGNLQjIkIQJRSECCI41EhPfgultwTw6SgKkKsKUZRrbsAEgEQIEEKEkKmRQQAYyaws+js5fGTSUTEQC4VadAHlMld7e45eUWNncv74Wx7903ATTc/OZjRt2yhInxQQK5v9zXw1+4Bzf3DB85DQD5UDKRCWQyE5mZmZEZ20tEZGRy25YbHne0W+H9KrGtPSC39hKBJIIZCY+Mffn+RCaTDA7U3IA+8brdCuaRO3aMTpJMMgAHPNIjenh37+7u3j0yk6QEIiTyxiO3Tne7trh29yEgkkhBJsYRAzzRI5pH79G6t97X7r1HJigkYaERm2hDgPxkEQFacx8nAkJkIjhmNICe2T2ax9q9dV9bX5v3HpFQIZkW6uExPMKm9R2CAGCtdezxChGMlAYC8MwesfZYuy9rX9a+tI2BqlBQunpYRMQ2Crufd4loa2sAIeA4AQ8Ag8Hafel9Wfu89KX11gKAmVGyVO3uvhn/WJ8AkARgy9o2BrIzIEbM9czmvnZfWr8u7bq0eemtB8BaTCQP1bpXj4iMbaKwO367k+dl3c6pcKQQBEF6Zs9o7kvr89o+5vUyt8vc5tWF8jxVM0y9dO9xY3DDeJhXm5eVW1SQ454RBOAYBvS5tY9lPV+X98v823nBh0Pt7fVYqzy12r0PnyNin9PbFwHYPC8jrqGkMoUQBtMzW/jS+3Vd/7zO/ztffv/xE/M8Gnv3f3852tc+de/+QACZf4kTu17X/cIhVKBDouwZLXxu63mZv1/Ov3//geXhqK7ff16P39qzu0f6dhJuBzoBMDeJrgtJKGmkCoy5Afjq/aMtPz/O7z/fP1UHAPxxuaz9pbv7PkI7gftKwNa5gaCSRWBkMBXBbOlLb5f147frO85/rQ4Alz+6/yfS7+bu6j8MEazNHQKaEEEIwEwEo6Wvfb22K65/Vx2Aew+Pfw68sf4Pjx14q3asCxUAAAAASUVORK5CYII=) A top ten list from Childbirth Connection of things to know or think about as you advance through your pregnancy and birth.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/ten-tips-for-taking-charge-of-your-maternity-care) [ResourcesRead ## Choosing a Maternity Care Provider This Childbirth Connection resource walks you through questions to consider when deciding on a birthing care provider. ![Baby Hand with Adult](data:image/png;base64,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) This Childbirth Connection resource walks you through questions to consider when deciding on a birthing care provider.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choosing-a-maternity-care-provider-2) [ResourcesRead ## Choices in Childbirth A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them. ![Choices in Childbirth scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) A collection of videos, articles, and downloadable worksheets to help pregnant people make pregnancy, birthing, and post-birth choices that are right for them.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/choices-in-childbirth) [ResourcesWatch ## Tools for Breastfeeding / Chestfeeding Success In this video, experienced lactation consultants provide clear, practical advice on how to have a successful breastfeeding (or chestfeeding) experience. ![Tools for Breastfeeding Chest feeding Success scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) In this video, experienced lactation consultants provide clear, practical advice on how to have a successful breastfeeding (or chestfeeding) experience.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/tools-for-breastfeeding-chestfeeding-success) [ResourcesRead ## A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers, Families The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examines the benefits that would result from a national paid parental leave program. ![22 A National Paid Leave Program Would Help Workers Families 22 scaled jpeg](data:image/png;base64,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) The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities examines the benefits that would result from a national paid parental leave program.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-national-paid-leave-program-would-help-workers-families) [ResourcesRead ## A Personal Story on the Dangers of Childbirth A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk. ![Pregnancy is not supposed to kill us - Yet I almost died TWICE](data:image/png;base64,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) A candid personal story about one woman’s experiences with ectopic pregnancy and pulmonary embolism, including information on who is at the greatest risk.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/health-info/a-personal-story-on-the-dangers-of-childbirth) [Stories & ConversationsWatch ## Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section. ![My Story- Overcoming Challenges During Pregnancy](data:image/png;base64,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) MB discusses the experience of her last pregnancy during the COVID pandemic and why she wanted to avoid having a C-section.](https://ourbodiesourselves.org/stories-conversations/my-story-overcoming-challenges-during-pregnancy)