Can Having Multiple Birth Companions Help Reduce Birth Trauma?

What you need to know

• Having two or more support people present during childbirth was associated with lower levels of birth-related trauma symptoms
• Women accompanied by both their partner and another companion showed fewer trauma symptoms than those with just their partner present
• The number of companions present did not affect women’s overall birth experience ratings

The Power of Support During Birth

Imagine you’re about to run a marathon - would you rather have one supporter cheering you on, or a whole team? Childbirth, like a marathon, is an intense physical and emotional experience where support can make a crucial difference. Throughout history, birthing women were traditionally surrounded by multiple supporters. However, modern medical settings often limit the number of people allowed in the delivery room. This raises an important question: when it comes to birth support, is more actually better?

What the Research Shows

In this study, researchers followed 246 women who gave birth in Israel to understand how the number and type of support people present during labor affected their psychological wellbeing. They specifically looked at symptoms of birth-related trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in the months following birth.

The findings were clear: women who had two or more companions present during birth showed significantly lower levels of both birth-related and general PTSD symptoms compared to women who had only one companion. Additionally, women who were accompanied by both their partner and another support person (like their mother or sister) showed fewer trauma symptoms than those accompanied by their partner alone.

Understanding Birth Trauma

Birth trauma and PTSD can develop when women experience childbirth as threatening or frightening. Symptoms may include flashbacks of the birth, avoiding thinking about the experience, negative thoughts and mood, and feeling on edge. While not all women develop trauma after birth, those who do may face challenges bonding with their baby and struggle with anxiety or depression.

Why Multiple Companions Help

Having multiple supporters present may help in several key ways:

• They can tag-team support roles, with one person providing emotional comfort while another advocates with medical staff
• They offer different types of support (e.g., practical help from a partner, nurturing presence from a mother)
• They can provide continuous support even during long labors, taking breaks without leaving the birthing person alone
• Multiple perspectives and forms of encouragement may help women feel more secure and supported

What This Means for You

If you’re preparing for childbirth, consider these practical takeaways:

• Ask your hospital or birth center about their companion policies
• Think carefully about who you want present - choose people who make you feel safe and supported
• Discuss roles and expectations with your chosen companions beforehand
• If only one companion is allowed, make sure they understand your needs and preferences
• Consider hiring a doula for additional professional support if multiple lay companions aren’t permitted

Conclusions

• Having more support people present during birth appears protective against developing trauma symptoms
• The combination of a partner plus another companion may be particularly beneficial
• Birth facilities should consider allowing multiple companions when possible
• More research is needed to understand the optimal number and combination of birth supporters