Birth partners fainting and near fainting in the birth room is more common than people…

Birth partners fainting and near fainting in the birth room is more common than people realise. Fears, phobias and emotional distress (ie seeing your loved one in pain) can be overwhelming, and make you feel hot, nauseous and dizzy.

Some partners will want to be there to support and witness the birth and others will not due to their own fears.

If you are particularly squeamish it might be an idea to do a trial run by watching some birth videos, at your own pace to prepare you. Understand the stages of labour, particularly transition. At this point the labour is usually almost over and there is often a change in the emotional state of your partner as contractions intensify. This can make you feel worried, helpless and sometimes panicky.

There may be vomiting, pooping, blood stained mucous from the vagina, amniotic fluid in large amounts and more! These are totally normal but can be shocking to those who haven't witnessed birth before.

Preparation before the birth is essential. If you are prone to fainting but you want to be present, keep hydrated and stand at the 'head end' when baby is being born.

Dont be afraid to tell the midwife either about your fears. When I've had partners who have told me they have a needle phobia for example, I sent them out of the room to take blood or insert cannulas.

Also, if you are squeamish, don't look over the cover during a caesarean. I once had a dad who dropped on the theatre floor after he did just that.

Fortunately for the vast majority of partners who faint, it lasts seconds. We would prefer you to reach a chair first though to prevent injury!

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