Welcoming a child into the world is one of the most significant events in someone’s life. Nevertheless, it’s difficult to deny that the experience of childbirth isn’t one comprised of at least a little vulnerability, anxiety, or fear. The process can be unpredictable, even under the best-case scenario. For this reason, establishing a safe, relaxed, and tranquil birth environment is essential.
Are you an expectant mother thinking of laboring at home or imagining your own birth nest? Are you wondering how to best create and organize a birth space? Consider the following tips for creating a calming birth atmosphere, regardless of your chosen location.
Dim the Lights for Intimate Privacy
Navigating labor and delivery as smoothly as possible requires consideration of your five senses. Think about the lighting situation of your birth space; laboring in the quietness of the dark or with a softer, dimly-lit glow can work wonders for relaxation.
Whether you plan to be in a hospital, birth center, or at home, moms-to-be have numerous options for keeping lighting to a minimum and setting a more intimate, private atmosphere. Harsh, bright lights can inhibit labor, so consider shutting blinds and curtains or using fairy lights, tealights, or LED candles as alternatives. Even sunglasses or an eye mask can help shield brightness and maintain tranquil focus.
Have Home Comforts Around or Within Reach
What helps keep you calm and relaxed in the comfort of your own home? What creates a realm of peace around you? The small and intricate details of light, sound, scents, touch, and taste matter. Therefore, gather up items to have near to the birth space that generate genuine feelings of comfort and security.
If you won’t be at home for the labor and delivery process, pack what you will need, such as white noise fans, pillows, blankets, essential oils, or birth affirmations. Don’t forget about selecting the appropriate birthing attire for possible temperature adjustments. Layers are the key to staying calm and comfortable. You want the temperature to be just right—not too hot or too cold.
Choose the Right Support Team for Positivity
When creating a calming birth atmosphere, be aware of exactly who you welcome into your birth space. The right or wrong presence can make or break your laboring mood. Plan to surround yourself with a birth team of supportive people that will help you stay calm, collected, and focused. Be knowledgeable about the qualities of professional midwives or obstetricians to choose a care provider you can rely on; that trust can make all the difference for peace of mind.
Essentially, planning out a birth environment is about creating a safe, sacred, and secure place to welcome your baby into the world. Moms-to-be should consider what appeals to the primal needs of their body and instincts for a healthy, empowering, and positive birth experience.
