What is physical support for childbirth?

Birth doulas provide emotional support, physical support, informational support, and advocacy before, during, and immediately following childbirth. But what does that all mean? This week, we’re going to dive into physical support. What is physical support for childbirth, what does it look like, and why is it beneficial for the entire family?

Physical support refers to the hands-on, practical ways that birth doulas help you to manage the sensations of labor, promote comfort, and encourage optimal labor progress. It also includes helping you feel comfortable during pregnancy and in the postpartum. Doulas also provide physical support to partners! This physical support does not stop if you choose to use pharmaceutical pain management, like nitrous oxide or an epidural, as physical movement and changing positions are still beneficial for labor progress, and you will experience other physical needs besides coping with uterine contractions, such as thirst, dry lips, feeling too hot or too cold, and needing your pillow adjusted.

Physical support includes everything from massage and counter-pressure to helping the birthing person change positions or use tools like a birth ball. These actions aren't just about comfort, they can also promote more efficient labor and help reduce medical interventions. Physical support might look like:

• Demonstrating comfort techniques and labor positions during prenatal visits

• Encouraging movement, stretching, or exercises that help ease pregnancy aches and pains

• Applying counter-pressure to ease back labor

• Using massage to promote relaxation and reduce muscle tension

• Assisting with position changes to keep labor progressing

• Supporting use of tools like a birthing ball, peanut ball, rebozo, or warm compresses

• Guiding breathing, grounding touch, or gentle movement

• Helping the birthing person stay hydrated, nourished, and physically supported throughout labor

• Assisting with comfortable positioning for nursing your baby

• Supporting rest and comfort after birth (e.g., helping with pillows, blankets, snacks, or hydration)

• Offering gentle body care suggestions

• Supporting the birth partner to stay hydrated, nourished, and physically supported

Physical support can reduce the perception of pain, lower the need for pain medication, and promote a sense of control and comfort during labor. It’s not just about getting through labor, it’s about helping the birthing person feel strong, supported, and capable. With a doula’s hands-on help, the body’s natural rhythm is honored, and the physical intensity of birth becomes more manageable.

Birth doulas are experts in physical support, tuning into your body, your breath, and your needs in each moment. Whether it’s a strong hand on your back during a contraction, a reminder to breathe, or help finding the right position, their presence is grounding and practical.

Labor is hard work. Having someone by your side who knows how to physically support you through each birthing wave can make all the difference.