In The Delivery Room with Amy and Paul Hauser
As told by Elizabeth Pulliam (aka Aunt Lizzie)
You might be thinking: Wait! You were in the room while your friend had her baby?! Yes! But it wasn’t my first rodeo. I was in the room when my sister gave birth to my niece and nephew (I was 15 and 17 at the time - hello, birth control 😆) and had experience becoming a CNA in high school.
Here’s how it started:
This summer, Amy and Paul had a packed schedule, with Paul traveling to promote movie releases. Amy asked if I could be “on call” in case the baby decided to come while Paul was away. I quickly agreed, assuming I’d just go to the hospital until Paul arrived. But Amy immediately said, “No! We want you to stay.”
I was so honored. The Hausers are family to me. Since meeting Amy over ten years ago, she’s become like a sister, and Paul has become like a brother. Being asked to be part of Isla Grace’s birth was one of the greatest privileges of my life.
Preparing to Be a Support Person
Preparation happened gradually:
Prayer + mindset: I prayed a lot, knowing this wasn’t about me, but about showing up well for Amy and Paul.
Conversations: I talked with Amy about her expectations and the role she wanted me to play. Group texter, photographer, comic relief, runner, encourager. We also compared notes so I wouldn’t duplicate what she already had packed.
Practical prep: About five weeks before her due date, I had bags packed and ready in my car. Amy’s boys both came 2–3 weeks early, so I wanted to be prepared.
Research: I had some familiarity with labor stages, but if you don’t, do a little reading or ask questions ahead of time. Knowing the basics helps you feel less lost in the moment.
Logistics: One day after an appointment, we drove by the hospital together so I’d know where to go when the time came.
Supporting During Labor
Small things make a big difference.
Here are a few ways I tried to support Amy and Paul:
Stay ahead of needs: Keep an eye on water, ice chips, chargers, and snacks. I made sure battery packs were charging, phones were plugged in, and everyone could stay connected.
Keep people informed: I managed group texts (family, aunties, close friends) with status updates and prayer requests.
Learn names: I kept a little list of nurse names and shifts so we knew who was with us and could thank them personally.
Balance presence + space: Listen more than you talk, and advocate only when it’s truly needed. Sometimes just sitting quietly is the best support.
Bring comfort: One of my favorite moments was when Amy clearly wasn’t feeling her best. I pulled out some dry shampoo, brushed her hair, and did a little skincare and makeup. We turned Labor + Delivery into a mini spa day, and it lifted her spirits!
Caring for Yourself
It’s easy to forget, but you need to take care of yourself too:
Step out and let mom and dad have private moments.
Use downtime to grab food or take a walk. (Pro tip: eat in the cafeteria instead of the room!)
Accept help, we had a friend nearby who brought good coffee during a long day of waiting, and it helped so much!
Be patient! It can be a long process. When the nurses suggest you try to sleep, do it. Pack an eye mask, earplugs, or AirPods.
After Baby Arrives
At 2:43am, Isla Grace made her entrance. The room filled with celebration (and, yes, Diet Coke and Five Guys). We cried, rejoiced, and exhaled after two long days.
In those first moments, I tried to:
Give Amy and Paul space with Isla Grace.
Capture a few photos.
Communicate the news to family and friends.
Quietly tidy and help them repack for the move out of Labor + Delivery (since they don’t keep you in there long).
It was simple, practical help, but it mattered.
Lessons Learned
Looking back, here are a few things I took away from being a support person:
Your presence matters more than perfection. You don’t have to know exactly what to say or do, just being there, steady and calm, makes a difference.
Small acts of care go a long way. Recharging a phone, brushing someone’s hair, or remembering the nurse’s name may seem tiny, but in the moment, they mean a lot.
Balance attentiveness with space. Sometimes the best support is stepping back. Whether that’s giving mom and dad quiet moments or taking care of yourself so you’re able to stay grounded.
Ask, don’t assume. Every mom’s needs are different. Check in and see what role she wants you to play.
Celebrate the miracle. However long and exhausting labor is, don’t forget to pause and soak in the joy of new life. Those first cries, that first moment, it’s holy ground!
If you’ve been asked to be the support person in that room, you’re being trusted with one of life’s most sacred moments.
Lean in and love with your whole heart!