Module 3: Labour & Birth Space

It’s often overlooked but your birth space could make a huge difference to how comfortable, supported and relaxed you are.

When preparing for labour and birth, parents often focus on managing contractions but they are not sure what else they can do to be able to manage pain and energy and to feel as safe as possible.

Simple changes can make a huge difference to how relaxed you are and preparing your birth space is something positive you can do and be in control of. Useful items include:

birth/gym ball – to sit on/lean on to be more comfortable, to rest and to ease any back ache
blanket/scarf – to be cosy, safe and warm
pillows – to prop you up, to lean on, to kneel on
drinks and straws – drink often to stay hydrated
healthy food & snacks – eat little and often to keep your energy up, have healthy snacks available so you can just grab them as you need them
comfortable clothing – so you can move, rest and feel cosy when you need to, especially in early labour
a familiar smell – smells can be very powerful so a scent that helps you to feel relaxed and calm can be very beneficial
music – listen to music to relax you, to help you calm your breathing
soft lighting – use lamps, candles, fairy lights to create a more relaxing space

Your Birth Space At Home

Unless you are being induced, you will labour at home so it is worth considering what you might need at home to be comfortable, to work with your contractions and to manage your energy.

In early labour, keep going as normal while you can and if you can be distracted, please let that happen. When your contractions become more intense and you need to focus more on them you may want to settle more in one room or you might be happy to keep wandering – go with what feels right. Try to be as relaxed and as comfortable as possible…

birth/gym ball – to sit on/lean on to be more comfortable, to rest and to ease back ache
blanket/scarf – to be cosy, safe and warm
pillows – to prop you up, to lean on, to kneel on
drinks and straws – drink often to stay hydrated
healthy food & snacks – eat little and often to keep your energy up, have healthy snacks available so you can just grab them as you need them
comfortable clothing – so you can move, rest and feel cosy when you need to, especially in early labour.
a familiar smell – this could help you to feel relaxed and calm can be very beneficial.
music – listen to music to relax you, to help you calm your breathing
soft lighting – use lamps, candles, fairy lights to create a more relaxing space

Your Birth Space In Hospital

While maternity units are very well equipped it is still useful to think about what you can take into hospital with you – this is about giving yourself options and more control. Taking your own things in with you can also mean you have some familiar items with you.

birth/gym ball – many maternity units do have these but yours is familiar to you. Yours will be blown up properly and it fits you because you have been using it during your pregnancy, as well as in early labour.
blanket/scarf – something from home can help you feel safe and cosy
pillows – take in a V-pillow because this can be great for increased comfort, as well as to use when your baby is here
drinks and straws – drink often to stay hydrated and pack straws to make it easier
healthy food & snacks – take a picnic in with you so you can eat little and often to keep your energy up
comfortable clothing – so you can feel cosy when you need to – pyjamas, dressing gown, socks, slippers
a familiar smell – you may use something like lavender when you relax at home – take some in with you to put on tissues. A gentle odour in your birth space could help you to relax
music – familiar, relaxing music can be very beneficial. Pack headphones if you want to focus and block out any other noise
soft lighting – many maternity units have dimmer switches and lamps but some people also take in battery powered candles and fairy lights

Remember…

If you can’t settle and focus, something might need to change

Try changing the lighting
Are you warm enough?
Do you need to be cosy?
Do you need more privacy?
Do you need the room to be quiet?
What do you need to feel more comfortable and safe?

As you go through this module and the resources, you can make notes, jot down your questions and start to develop your action plan for labour and birth.

And please don’t hesitate to message me to arrange a conversation to talk through your questions.

Welcome To Your Antenatal Course

1. Labour
2. Birth
3. Pain Management
4. Labour & Birth Challenges
5. Meeting Your Baby
6. Your New Baby
7. Relax & Breathe Resources