Creating Home at the Hospital
When I think of hospital rooms the words cold and sterile always pop up. This is not the type of environment most people would choose to welcome their newborn in. It's also common for early labor to last up to 3 days in first-time births which could extend your time in the hospital if you go in early. It is highly recommended to have the early labor stage at home as long as you can. However, if your labor will be induced or you feel safer going into the hospital early you can make enhancements to the room to be in a more home-like environment. I've added a touch of home to each of my clients' hospital rooms and would love to share some suggestions to make your birthing space more comfortable for you.
The first items on my list are a comfortable blanket and pillow. As mentioned the hospital can be very cold which is not helpful if you are in pain, stressed, or anxious. Having chills is very common during and shortly after labor and a warm bed can help to alleviate that. Hospitals are not known for the most comfortable bedding so bringing your own will make up for this shortcoming. You can also wear your own gown instead of the awkward open-backed ones that are provided. Hospital delivery rooms typically don't have carpets or rugs either so having a pair of slippers and cozy socks will make active moments walking or on a birth ball more comfortable for you.
Engaging your sense of sight by setting up things that are visually pleasing is also very helpful. Fresh flowers beside your bed are a nice touch as well as hanging decorative vines. I enjoy hanging floral garlands on the windows of my client's rooms. One mom said this made her feel like she was sitting under a tree when the sunlight was shining on her face. The hospital lights can be bright so you can also bring string lights, flameless candles, and/or a Himalayan salt lamp and have the room lights dimmed for a more peaceful aesthetic. Being able to have a mental getaway when you are experiencing the discomfort and pain of labor can help to keep you in a positive mood for the long haul. Having these visuals in place makes it easier to access your inner safe place when you need a retreat from the discomfort and pain of labor.
Hearing the constant beeps of the monitoring devices isn't something most people think about when preparing for their time in the hospital. For some, it can become annoying so creating your own background sounds can help to remedy this issue. The sounds of a desktop waterfall can be calming and also add another visual effect. You can also create your own playlist, play nature sounds, and your partner or support person can play singing bowls or other instruments with respect to others birthing adjacent to your room. In addition to these options, wearing headphones and listening to binaural beats or hypnobirthing meditations can help to soothe you and build upon your inner safe space.
I personally love a good candle but this is not typically allowed in hospitals. If you have an electric wax warmer this may be a good alternative. You can also use a diffuser with different essential oil blends. I tend to go the diffuser route since essential oils have medicinal properties that can be beneficial in labor. My favorite blend for relaxing and relieving stress is a blend of lavender, German chamomile, and rosemary. There are blends for energy, nausea, mood boosters and many more online. Additionally, you can bring shower steamers if your hospital room will have an accessible shower. The combination of the soothing water and the aromatherapy can be very comforting during labor.
By incorporating these suggestions, you can transform your hospital room into a warm and welcoming space for your new bundle of joy. To ensure this space isn't interrupted by overly enthusiastic staff considering hanging a sign on your door asking them to maintain a peaceful birthing space. If you would like to further discuss creating a safe and nurturing environment for your birth click the button below to get started.
