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Labor is not just a physical process, it’s a series transitions, both in the body and the mind. One of the most intense and misunderstood phases is late active labor and transition, when a woman often loses the ability to communicate clearly. Knowing how to recognize this phase (and how to support her through it) can make a BIG difference in her birth experience.

As labor progresses, there is a point when contractions become longer, stronger, and closer together. During transition, many women turn inward. Talking becomes difficult or impossible, especially during contractions. Instead, communication shifts to the body and voice.

Some common signs of transition include:

• Deep, primal, rhythmic vocalizations or moaning

• Rocking, swaying, gripping, or repetitive body movements

• Shaking, sweating, or sudden emotional shifts

• Difficulty answering questions or expressing needs

• A sense of “I can’t do this anymore” (a classic and normal sign of transition)

This is not the time to ask a woman what she needs, it’s the time to know.

That’s why having these conversations during pregnancy is so important. When a woman no longer has a voice in labor, her partner becomes her advocate. Knowing her preferences, comfort measures, boundaries, and love language ahead of time allows you to step in with confidence.

Your role during transition is not to fix anything, it’s to protect her space. This may look like advocating with medical staff, dimming lights, offering physical support, reminding her to breathe, or simply being a calm, steady presence. Try different comfort measures like counterpressure, cold or warm compresses, position changes, affirmations, and so many more that I will teach you, and….

… there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Every woman is different, and what feels supportive to one may feel overwhelming to another. Preparation is what allows you to adapt in the moment.

This is exactly why my birth coaching experience, Birthing Your Way, is unlike any other. We spend two personalized 90-minute sessions getting clear on how you operate together as a couple, her birth preferences, her unique needs, and how you, as her partner, can best support her when it matters most.

You’ll also receive lifetime access to my online course with bite-sized education that prepares you for late pregnancy, labor, and the often-overlooked fourth trimester AKA postpartum recovery for both mom and dad.

If this kind of intentional, relationship-centered preparation feels aligned, I invite you to book a free consultation below with me, Jessica Freedman, your birth bestie and founder of MamaShakti Prenatal.

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Support through the sacred transitions of pregnancy, birth, and your 4th trimester matter. I am here to help.

With love and support,

Jessica