Whether you choose a hospital, birth center, or home for your labor experience, it is important to think about how you want your space to look and feel. For me, it was not until I read “Hypnobirthing: Practical ways to make your Birth Better” by Siobhan Miller (also founder of the Positive Birth Company) that I started to think about my own birth environment. Since I chose a hospital for labor, I did not think that I had to reflect about how I wanted my space to look. As most hospitals have a standard setup! After reading Siobhan’s book, which focuses on practical ways to create a positive birth experience, I realized that spending some time reflecting on how your environment looks and feels on your labor day is just as important as the other items on my birth prep list.

A positive birth space =
A positive mindset =
A positive birth story!

Even when your birth story goes differently than planned!

In my case, I had an unexpected C-section. Having an unplanned C-section caused me a lot of anxiety and worry at the moment. However, even while under a lot of stress, I felt that I was better able to process my emotions and make decisions that were best for my baby and I because of my calm and peaceful mental and physical space. Adding personal touches to my labor room had a lot to do with that.

So what are some ways you can set up your birth space so that it radiates peace, positivity, and calmness? What things can you include as part of your labor experience to make you feel comfortable and in control? As Siobhan reminds us in her book, “Use the 5 senses as a simple checklist, I want you to take a moment to consider what you would like to see, hear, smell, taste, and touch that would help you feel calm, safe, and relaxed.”

Taking into consideration the five senses, I’ve compiled a short list of ideas to consider when building your dream birth space:

• SEE: Especially for hospitals, consider bringing a small nightlight you can have by your bedside. Battery-operated lights can also create a calming atmosphere. Consider printing out any positive quotes or affirmations that you can easily put in your room to help create positive visuals.
• HEAR: Create a motivational/calming/energetic playlist for the day. Share the link to the playlist with family and friends and ask close loved ones to contribute inspiring music.
• TASTE: Any healthy foods or snacks that can keep your energy levels going during the long hours of labor? What are some of your favorite go-to snacks to keep you satisfied?
• TOUCH: Consider any small objects that bring you peace and calm that you can pack in your labor bag. For example, a remembrance bracelet from a loved one or a hand exercise ball that helps you alleviate stress. Anything you can touch and feel that you might want to have by your bedside.
• SMELL: Scented oils, such as lavender, are great for relaxation and can be easy to pack in your labor bag. Think about any fragrances that bring happy and relaxing memories for you.

Regardless if you are giving birth in a hospital, birth center, or at home, setting up your labor space should be on your prep list. A calm environment is important for our overall well-being. Both in everyday life and in our birth stories. Honor your birth story by spending some time with your partner reflecting on how you want your space to look and feel.

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