How Can I Make My Hospital Delivery Room Feel Less Clinical? Tips for a Relaxing Labour Environment

Giving birth is an incredibly personal experience, but the sterile environment of a hospital delivery room can sometimes feel cold and clinical, which is the last thing you need when you’re trying to welcome your baby into the world. The good news is that there are several ways to transform your hospital delivery room into a space that feels warm, calming, and conducive to the release of oxytocin—the “love hormone” that plays a vital role during labour. Creating a comforting environment can help you feel more relaxed and supported, allowing your body to do what it naturally needs to do. Oxytocin is the hormone responsible for initiating contractions and is crucial for progressing labour. It also promotes bonding between mother and baby. The right environment can stimulate the natural production of oxytocin, making your labour smoother and more comfortable. In this article, we’ll explore practical tips and ideas to help make your hospital delivery room feel less clinical and more like a sanctuary for birth, incorporating aspects of antenatal care that focus on relaxation and well-being.

Creating a Calm and Relaxing Atmosphere

A key component of preparing for labour is making sure you feel safe, supported, and relaxed. In the hospital setting, this often requires personalising the space to reduce stress and encourage the release of oxytocin. Here are some effective ways to create a more soothing atmosphere:

Personal Comfort Items

Bringing personal items from home can make a big difference in how your delivery room feels. These could include:

• Soft blankets or pillows from home to replace hospital-issued linens, which may feel stiff or uncomfortable.
• Photos of loved ones or other meaningful objects that remind you of home or make you feel emotionally supported.
• Scented oils or aromatherapy diffusers with calming scents like lavender or chamomile, which can help create a serene atmosphere. These simple touches can transform an otherwise impersonal space into a familiar, comforting environment that helps reduce anxiety and increase your natural oxytocin levels.

Soothing Lighting

Harsh, bright lighting can contribute to the clinical feel of a hospital room. Dim the overhead lights, or, if possible, bring your own sources of gentle lighting. Consider:

• Battery-operated candles to create a soft, warm glow without violating hospital safety rules.
• Fairy lights for a gentle, twinkling effect that can replace the glaring hospital lights.
• A soft bedside lamp from home, which can create a comforting atmosphere. Many hospitals allow you to control the lighting in your room, so take advantage of that to create a more intimate and relaxed space. Low lighting is known to enhance oxytocin production and can make a significant difference in your overall birth experience.

Music and Sounds

One of the most powerful tools for creating a relaxing environment is music. Whether it’s calming instrumental tracks, nature sounds, or your favourite songs, music can help distract you from discomfort and ease any anxiety you may be feeling. Bring along a playlist of your favourite relaxing tunes or calming sounds that can help you stay focused during contractions.

• Relaxation playlists specifically designed for labour are available online and include sounds like ocean waves or forest ambiance.
• Antenatal yoga music often features soothing melodies that encourage relaxation and mindful breathing, which can help during labour. Many hospitals allow patients to bring speakers or connect their phones to the room’s sound system. Just be sure to check the hospital’s policies ahead of time.

The Role of Antenatal Care in Creating a Positive Labour Environment

Your experience in the delivery room can be significantly improved by the preparation you do during antenatal care. In the lead-up to your due date, you’ll have opportunities to attend antenatal classes or prenatal care appointments that provide education on pain relief techniques, relaxation methods, and how to create a positive birthing environment.

Antenatal Yoga and Breathing Techniques

One of the most effective ways to prepare your mind and body for labour is by practising antenatal yoga. Many pregnancy yoga classes focus on breathing exercises, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques that can be incredibly useful during labour. In fact, these skills can help you remain calm and focused even in the unfamiliar environment of a hospital room. Breathing techniques learned in antenatal yoga can help reduce anxiety, increase oxygen flow to both you and your baby, and support the release of oxytocin. Deep breathing exercises also help you manage contractions more effectively and can create a sense of control over your labour. Some hospitals even offer antenatal fitness programs that include yoga and breathing exercises, so consider asking your antenatal clinic for recommendations on local classes.

Prenatal Massage for Relaxation

Incorporating prenatal massage into your antenatal care routine can also be highly beneficial, both before and during labour. A gentle massage can help reduce tension, lower stress, and encourage the release of oxytocin. In some hospitals, you may be able to bring a trained therapist to provide a prenatal massage during early labour, or your partner can be shown how to do simple massage techniques to help you relax.

• Massage during labour can ease back pain, reduce anxiety, and promote relaxation.
• Pregnancy massage benefits include increased circulation and reduced swelling, which can make you feel more comfortable during labour. You can discuss the possibility of massage during labour with your healthcare provider during your antenatal appointments to ensure it’s a safe option for you.

Creating a Birth Plan

Your antenatal care journey will include discussions with your healthcare provider about your preferences for labour and delivery. One of the most effective ways to ensure that your delivery room feels less clinical is to create a birth plan. This plan outlines your wishes for the environment, pain management, and medical interventions, and it allows you to communicate these preferences to the hospital staff. A birth plan can include:

• Preferences for lighting, music, and aromatherapy in the delivery room.
• Your desired level of partner involvement and whether they can help with relaxation techniques or massage.
• The type of pain management you prefer, such as epidurals or natural methods like breathing exercises or movement. By planning ahead during your antenatal appointments, you can ensure that your delivery room is set up to feel calm, personalised, and supportive of oxytocin production.

Partner Involvement and Support

Your partner or birth support person plays a key role in making the delivery room feel more comfortable and supportive. Discuss with your partner how they can assist in creating the right environment for you, whether through providing physical comfort (e.g., a massage), emotional reassurance, or by helping to maintain the atmosphere you’ve set up. Partners can also help by advocating for your preferences during labour. For instance, if you want to keep the lights dim or play specific music, your partner can make sure these needs are met so that you can focus on the labour process. During your antenatal care journey, be sure to involve your partner in any antenatal classes or antenatal education sessions. These classes provide valuable information on how your partner can support you during labour and help you feel more relaxed and empowered.

Final Thoughts: Making the Hospital Room Feel Like Home

Making your hospital delivery room feel less clinical doesn’t have to be complicated. By incorporating personal items, adjusting the lighting, using calming scents, and creating a soothing sound environment, you can transform the space into a haven for oxytocin production. The support you receive during antenatal care, including through antenatal yoga, prenatal massage, and antenatal checkups, can also prepare you to handle labour in a calm and relaxed manner. By taking steps to personalise your environment, engaging in relaxation techniques, and involving your partner in the process, you can help create a birth experience that feels both empowering and peaceful. The hospital setting may not be your ideal birth location, but with a bit of preparation and creativity, you can make it a welcoming space for both you and your baby.