Objective: to identify the support actions undertaken for the woman during labor,
birth, cesarean section and the postpartum period. Method: a transversal study, undertaken in three public maternity hospitals, with a
sample of 1,147 companions. The data were collected through interviews and
were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The support actions were
classified in four dimensions: emotional, physical, informational and
relating to intermediation. Results: the majority of interviewees were the partner/father of the baby (76.7%). In
labor, birth and the postpartum period, the actions of emotional support -
such as calming, encouraging and praising, were performed by more than 80.0%
of the companions; informational support, by approximately 70.0%; and
intermediation by fewer than 65.0% of them. In childbirth, the emphasis on
physical support was observed in assisting with walking (84.4%), and in
changing position (90.4%).Conclusion: the companions participate actively in the birth process, performing actions
of support in the four dimensions. Emotional support is the most frequent,
followed by physical and informational support, mainly during labor and
birth. The results contribute to valuing the companion from the woman’s
social network in the birth scenario and to the recognition of his/her role
as a provider of support.