Finding Comfort in Labor: 5 tips for Creating a Cozy Birth Experience

“Just because you’re giving birth in the hospital doesn’t mean that your birth environment has to be standard and boring. Remember, you only get one chance to birth this baby. It’s okay to take up space and make this birth yours!”

Though hospitals nowadays try hard to give their labor suites a homey vibe, it can still feel very medical. Doulas know that comfort is the best way to bring relaxation and confidence to your birth. Here are five of our best suggestions for personalizing your birthing space to create the best vibe.

1. The nose knows: don’t underestimate your sense of smell.

You’ve probably noticed your sense of smell is crazy intense during your pregnancy. It’s for good reason – your olfactory sense plays a big role in bonding with your baby. But it can also bring you comfort during your labor. Do you have any smells that bring you instant relaxation? I had a client once who just wanted to take a lavender bath during her labor. That’s a great way to use smell to bring comfort!

Even bringing pillows, blankets, or clothing from home can help. Anything that smells like your happy place is more likely to make you feel at ease during your labor.

Diffusing essential oils can bring comfort, but we encourage caution with that! Sometimes those EO blends that smelled great during pregnancy can be a huge turn-off during labor, and the smell can linger long after the diffuser is turned off. If you want to use essential oils, we recommend applying them to a cotton ball and taking a whiff of that. The nice thing is that it’s easy enough to get rid of if you decide you don’t want it.

2. Set some mood lighting.

Dimming the lights in your labor room can create a great atmosphere for birth. However, you can always take it a step further by bringing your own special lighting. Fairy lights, battery operated candles, and projector lights are all great options. 

One memorable client had a truly epic light display during her birth. She had dozens of tiny flameless candles on virtually every surface, and a very cool galaxy projector light on the ceiling. It gave the room a very dreamy, relaxed vibe. Everyone that visited the room remarked that they wanted to stay there for the rest of the day!

3. Birthing sounds can bring comfort.

It’s widely known that music can impact our mood greatly. Birth is no different! I have had many clients create playlists for their labor. Some folks want to listen to soothing meditation music, some listen to worship songs. Some folks listen to upbeat music, some listen to dance music to get their groove on. For my last birth, I listened to Pink Floyd’s The Wall in its entirety. Needless to say, I’m in no place to judge your music preferences. There’s no wrong way to jam out at your birth.

But you can also make sounds of your own. We encourage our clients to at least try making sounds during labor. Sometimes it can really help! I typically hear a lot of moaning, mooing, and deep vocalizing during intense parts of labor. Singing or chanting can also be a great way to release tension in your body and boost oxytocin.

4. Fuel up!

Though it’s not evidence-based, Kearney hospitals still recommend laboring patients stay on a clear-liquids-only diet during their labor. The hospitals usually have fruit juices, jello, and broth stocked. However, sometimes bringing your own drinks from home can be more comforting. I have seen clients bring homemade bone broth, honey sticks, protein-packed jello, and their own “labor-ade” tea blends.

Even though it’s hospital policy, you are allowed to decline the liquids-only diet. Talk with your provider about the evidence and ask what’s right for you. Remember that labor is a marathon and fuel is important! Even if you choose not to eat during labor, try to eat before you arrive at the hospital. And always remember to stay hydrated!

5. Physical sensations can have a big impact.

It’s probably not a surprise that your physical comfort is paramount during labor. Your doula is equipped with knowledge and skills to help increase comfort. Massage, counter pressure, and position changes are all part of what we help with. We often have hot and cold packs, combs for squeezing, and other helpful supplies in our bags.

Temperature is another thing that many folks don’t know they have control over. You’re free to adjust your thermostat in your room! Often laboring moms want the room to be cooler, as they’re working hard and can be prone to overheating. Fans, ice water, and cool washcloths can bring a lot of comfort during transition. The tub or shower can also be an amazing tool to help encourage relaxation and bring comfort.

Own your birth!

We hope you’re feeling inspired after reading our tips for creating a cozy atmosphere at your birth! Just because you’re giving birth in the hospital doesn’t mean that your birth environment has to be standard and boring. Remember, you only get one chance to birth this baby. It’s okay to take up space and make this birth yours!

Want to learn more about increasing comfort during labor? Check out our in-person Comfort Measures class for more discussion and hands-on learning opportunities for moms and partners. Bonus: it’s free to attend!