Here’s what to expect during childbirth, plus tips for how to show up prepared.

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A woman in labor in the hospital holding her partner’s hand

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A partner’s guide to pregnancy.

American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists.https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/a-partners-guide-to-pregnancyOpens a new window[Accessed October 2021]

Berry LM.

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Realistic expectations of the labor coach.

Tips for labor coaches.https://medlineplus.gov/ency/patientinstructions/000545.htmOpens a new window[Accessed October 2021]

AAFP.

Labor and delivery: What you should know.

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American Family Physician 78(3):343-4.https://www.aafp.org/afp/2008/0801/p343.htmlOpens a new window[Accessed October 2021]

ACOG.

How to tell when labor begins.https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/how-to-tell-when-labor-beginsOpens a new window[Accessed October 2021]

ACOG.

Labor induction.https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/labor-inductionOpens a new window[Accsesed October 2021]

Nemours Foundation.

male partner comforting woman in labor

Inducing labor.https://www.kidshealth.org/en/parents/inductions.htmlOpens a new window[Accessed October 2021]

U.S. Office on Women’s Health.

Labor and birth.https://www.womenshealth.gov/pregnancy/childbirth-and-beyond/labor-and-birthOpens a new window[Accessed October 2021]

Paterson D et al.

Support during labour and childbirth.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK304186/Opens a new window[Accessed October 2021]

baby lying down

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A mom standing at her kitchen counter, holding her baby while a toddler eats cereal.

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Amy Cassell