Labor Support Tips for Dads

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"A woman can become panicky during labor," says Cathleen Maiolatesi, a nurse at Johns Hopkins Hospital, in Baltimore. "And the best person to get her back on track with her breathing is her partner. After all, you know her better than anyone else." As the contractions grow more intense, reassure her that she's doing a great job and that you love her. You can also help your partner by feeding her ice chips or wiping the sweat off her brow. And though some women don't like to be touched during labor, others appreciate a neck or back rub.