Bump & Beyond

Being There: Support During Pregnancy

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Support during pregnancy looks different for everyone. Your support person might be your partner, the baby’s father, a friend, a family member, or a doula. What matters most is having someone you trust and feel comfortable with.

Take time to think about what kind of support you’ll need—before, during, and after birth.

Support Comes in Many Forms  

Here are some helpful questions to ask yourself:

  • Who can support you throughout your pregnancy and after your baby is born?
  • What roles will the important people in your life play?
  • What does support look like for you? What might you need—emotional, physical, or practical help?
  • What makes you feel good or helps you feel calm and relaxed?
  • What is one thing you can do for yourself each day, even if it’s just for a few minutes? Try to continue this routine after your baby arrives.

You deserve care, rest, and support every step of the way.

Why Is Support Important?

It’s okay to ask for help—and it can make a big difference.

Pregnancy, birth, and life with a new baby can feel overwhelming. Your body and hormones are going through many changes, and it’s normal to need support.

Having people you trust around you can help you:

  • Feel less stressed or alone
  • Take better care of yourself and your baby
  • Rest, recover, and feel more confident
  • Lower your risk of mental health issues like depression (sadness) or anxiety (worry)

What Does Support Look Like During Pregnancy? Tips for Support People

Support can come in many forms—emotional, physical, or simply being present. Here are some tips for partners, friends, family members, and other support people.

Pregnancy Is Hard—Support Helps

  • Focus on the joy. Celebrate milestones and look forward to meeting the baby.
  • Be body positive. Support changes in the pregnant person’s body with kindness and care.
  • Do something special. Plan small surprises or moments of rest and relaxation.

Communicate with Care

  • Be a good listener. Ask how they’re feeling and truly listen.
  • Offer affirmations. Use encouraging words to uplift and reassure.
  • Talk about stress. Share how you each handle tough moments and how you can support one another.

Plan Ahead as a Team

Talk together about who will take on which roles after the baby arrives, like feeding, diaper changes, and chores. Making a plan can reduce stress and help you feel more prepared.

For Dads and Partners

You have an important role. Being an ally means showing up with empathy, patience, and love during pregnancy, birth, and after the baby is born.

Read: The D-Ally Guide: Fathers & Father Figures as Healthy Allies During the Expecting Journey and Beyond

Plan for Childcare During Labor and Birth

If you have other children at home, it’s important to make a plan for who will care for them when it’s time to go to the hospital.

Ask Yourself: Who Can Help?

  • Think about asking a friend, family member, neighbor, or someone from your church.
  • If you’re staying in a shelter, talk to your case manager about your options.
  • If you don’t have a childcare plan, talk to your provider. We’re here to help you figure it out.

Making a plan now can give you peace of mind later, so you can focus on your health and your baby.

Host a Nesting Party!

A nesting party is a fun and practical way for friends and family to help you get ready for your baby. It’s about coming together to prepare your home and show support.

Here are some helpful things to do at a nesting party:

  • Assemble baby furniture
  • Wash and fold baby clothes
  • Organize diaper and feeding areas
  • Make and freeze meals for after baby arrives
  • Help pack your diaper bag and hospital bag

It’s a great way to share the excitement and lighten the load. You don’t have to do it all alone.

What Does Support Look Like During Labor and Birth?

Here are ways to provide helpful and loving support during labor and birth:

  • Talk ahead of time about what matters most to the birthing person during labor and birth. Having support during labor can help make the birthing person feel calmer, more confident, and more in control. One way to prepare is by making a birth plan together. A birth plan shares your wishes for labor and birth—what’s important to you, what comforts you, and what you’d like to avoid.
  • Ask questions and share their wishes with the healthcare team.
  • Be flexible. Plans can change—ask what feels good in the moment.
  • Offer encouragement. Say things like “You’re doing great” or “You’ve got this.”
  • Be their dance partner or DJ. Help them move to music if that brings comfort.
  • Provide comfort. Offer water, snacks, a hand to hold, or a cool washcloth.
  • Massage and hip squeezes can relieve pressure and help with pain.
  • Help them move or change positions.
  • Start the shower or fill the tub if hydrotherapy is part of their plan.
  • Track contractions using an app or a watch.
  • Take care of yourself. Eat, breathe, and take breaks so you can stay strong for them.
  • Be patient. Labor takes time, and your steady presence matters.

Learn More about What Support Looks Like during Labor and Birth

What If I Want More Support?

You’re not alone. If you need more support—before, during, or after birth—talk to your healthcare team. They can connect you to helpful programs and caring people at BMC and in the community.

Support During Pregnancy

Centering Pregnancy

Join a group of other pregnant people for shared prenatal care, support, and community.

Doulas

Doulas provide emotional and physical support during pregnancy, labor, and after birth.

  • Get support from a Birth Sister™, our BMC doula program.
  • MassHealth also covers doula care. Let your provider know if you’d like one.

Support After Birth

Find More Postpartum Resources for New and Young Families

Mental Health Support

Feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or depressed? You’re not alone. Reach out:

Interpersonal Violence Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence (DV), there are lots of sources of support:

Learn about BMC’s Domestic Violence Program

Chat Online with the National Domestic Violence Hotline

Find a List of DV Services by Massachusetts County

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