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When you're pregnant, your partner may be your primary support.  

But no one person can give you all you need, so it's good to have support teams.

Support teams are unique to each expectant family but they generally come in two types - healthcare support teams and personal support teams. The members of these teams should be people you trust.

In addition to your doctor or midwife, your healthcare support team could include organizations and individuals such as:

• hospital and public health nurses
• HealthLink BC (tele-nurses, pharmacists and dietitians)
• dentist
• dental hygienist
• prenatal educator
• lactation consultant
• registered dietitian
• pharmacist
• naturopathic physician

Along with your partner, your personal support team could include: Along with your partner, your personal support team could include:

• friends and family 
• a doula (trained, supportive labour companion)
• neighbours
• other families from prenatal classes
• community groups
• co-workers
• members of your cultural or religious groups

Once you’ve chosen your personal support team, share your plans with them and ask for their commitment. Record their contact information and keep it in a safe, easily accessible place. 

Partners can be supportive by:

• sharing a healthy lifestyle, including physical activities, before, during, and after pregnancy
• helping with relaxation techniques
• listening
• attending appointments and prenatal classes
• preparing the home for the new baby
• being involved in the labour and birth
• talking about and planning for parenting
• being actively involved in caring for the baby
• encouraging and helping with breastfeeding
• arranging holidays or leave from work to help with the new baby