Creating a Calm Atmosphere for Your Labor

Creating a Calm Atmosphere for Your Labor

Staying calm and relaxed during the birth of your baby can not only move your labor along but can help you stay present and enjoy the unique experience of meeting your baby for the first time. But when we think of a hospital – the sounds, the smells, the lights, the Jell-O – we don’t always think of a peaceful and soothing environment.

However, there are lots of ways to make your delivery room a space that feels comfortable and personalized. It just takes a bit of thought, preparation and, most importantly, communication.

As soon as you meet your labor care team, speak to your support staff about your preferences for a calm birth experience. Unsure of what that looks like for you? Let your five senses be your guide.

Sight

We know that many women prefer a darkened room over bright overhead fluorescent lights during labor – so the rooms at VHC Health™ have lighting that is completely adjustable and dimmable. There are a lot of benefits to soft lighting – one is that it automatically tends to get everyone to speak quietly and move slower. You may dim the lights in your delivery room and can even bring fairy lights and flameless candles if you’d like.

Visualization is also a great way to stay relaxed and focused. Remember why you are there! Picture that sweet baby in your arms. You can also use a Lamaze focal point which is something to look at during labor such as a photo, ultrasound image of your baby or inspirational quote.

Lastly, seeing the comforting, reassuring face of your support person or partner will be an anchor for you throughout your labor. Be sure to ask them to prepare their own strategies to stay calm so they can support you fully. The last thing you will want is to look up at their face for encouragement only to see panic in their eyes!

Sound

Oh baby, those are some good tunes! Whether it be calm, inspirational or upbeat music, you can pick the playlist. Playing some soft instrumental music or ambient noise can prevent people from talking to fill the silence. Or maybe the sounds of[AT1]  silence are more your jam.

Now, this doesn’t mean you have to be quiet! This is no time to be polite. Many women find making noise to be a very effective coping mechanism during labor. So, as Elsa in Frozen says, let it go!  [AT2] 

Scent

While it still might not feel quite like a day at the spa, Virginia Hospital Center provides essential oil aromatherapy in labor and delivery rooms to help you find peace. Certain aromatherapy scents – especially lavender, vanilla and rosemary – have been known to help with relaxation.

You can even train yourself with different scents in advance of your baby’s birth. Diffuse some essential oils during baths or bedtime to associate the scent with peace, calm and control.

Taste

We’d love to tell you to have a big bowl of chocolate ice cream, but you’ll have to wait until later for that. You can however stay hydrated and comforted with a variety of clear liquids available to you. This includes broth, ice pops, juice, tea, coffee, water and - you guessed it! - Jell-O.

Touch

Touch is so very important during labor. A comforting hand on your shoulder, a perfectly-positioned hot/cold pack, counter-pressure on your back or hips or a strong massage can go a long way.

You can bring your favorite soft (and washable!) blanket and pillow to make your room feel homier and because your labor could be long enough to take a nap. You may be cold or get the chills at various points, so wear cozy socks, a fuzzy robe or whatever else makes you feel warm.  During active labor you may get hot, so be sure to have ice packs or washcloths ready for your forehead and neck. You may want your room temperature turned down low, so advise your support person to pack a coat or sweatshirt.

Massage can be a wonderful distraction and pain reliever. It’s a great excuse to ask for a massage from your partner in advance to practice effective techniques! But be sure your partner knows not to take it personally if you don’t want to be touched at different stages of your labor.

However your baby’s birth goes (spoiler alert: it might not go exactly as you plan!), staying as calm and present as possible is beneficial for both you and your baby. Your nurses and doctors will be there to make you feel safe, supported and cared for every step of the way. So pack up that hospital bag, and get ready to enjoy an amazing BIRTHday party!

Supporting health, wellness and community in pregnancy and parenthood.

 For more learning and coaching from our experts at VHC Health™, we recommend VHC OB Journey which is chock full of information and resources:

  • Download the app
    • Track your baby’s growth and count their kicks
    • Learn other mom’s birth stories
    • Watch helpful laboring and breastfeeding techniques
    • Learn everything you need to know about having a baby at VHC Health™
    • Log your baby’s feeding schedule
  • Take classes such as our Advanced Comfort for Unmedicated Birth
  • Attend free weekly Zoom sessions from our childbirth education team sharing important information about your stay
  • Review our checklist for expectant parents
  • Take a virtual labor and delivery tour
  • Understand our labor and delivery visitor policy