Create a Comfortable Laboring Environment in the Hospital

When you give birth in a hospital, there'll be no mistaking that you're in a hospital. The sounds, smells, and sights are hard to get around. But, there are many things you can do to create a more comfortable, more home-like (or even spa-like) environment. With a little advance preparation and help from your birth support team, you can turn your hospital laboring room into a more comfortable, less hospital-like room.

Dim the lights. Some newer hospitals have lights on a dimmer. You may have to try every switch in the room to figure out which switch goes to which light, but shutting out the harsh lights can help set the mood.

Battery operated candles. They're cheap and effective. They provide calming light in the hospital room or bathroom (if you're laboring in the tub or shower). You'll want around 4-6 tea light candles to provide enough light.

Turn off the beeps. If you're being monitored or have an IV, chances are good that you'll encounter beeping and annoying noises. Ask your nurse how to turn down the volume or silence an alarm on a machine.

Bring your own pillows -- lots of them. Hospital pillows are not known for being plush. Consider bringing your own. Your own pillows will bring with them comforting smells of home and are more supportive. Be sure your pillow cases are anything but white so as not to get mixed up with hospital pillows.

Scents. Bring essential oils, your favorite room spray, or even a scented lotion. Lavender scents can be calming and peppermint can help curb nausea.

Music. Bring your favorite tunes or Pandora station and set it on low to play throughout the room. It will transform the environment and provide helpful distraction.

Close the door. Nurses and care providers coming in and out of your room may mean that your door is often left open unintentionally. Be sure to ask your birth support team to keep your door closed -- it will keep out unnecessary and distracting hallway noise, plus it will increase your sense of privacy.

Wear your own clothes. Hospital gowns can make you feel like a sick patient -- and they're not mandatory in labor. Wearing your own clothes can help your feel more comfortable and at-home. Be sure to choose something that allows easy access to your belly and vagina, or at the very least, can be easily removed.