Creating your Atmosphere for Labor.

Did you know that the atmosphere in which you choose to labor is important and can affect the outcome of your labor? If you feel scared, unsupported, worried, unheard, or uncomfortable in any way while you are in labor, your labor could slow down or stall. It’s our body’s natural way of protecting our baby from being born into an unsafe environment. When we feel uncomfortable in a situation our Cortisol levels rise. Cortisol, which is the stress hormone will stop or slow the production of Oxytocin, the love hormone. Oxytocin is what makes your uterus contract during labor. So you can see why it would be important to surround yourself with things that will increase your Oxytocin levels and decrease your Cortisol levels. It’s normal to feel lots of emotions while you are laboring. Creating an atmosphere in which you feel comfortable, will help you feel more relaxed with these emotions.

So what are some ways to create an atmosphere that will increase your Oxytocin…

Lighting. Having soft dim lighting or natural light. You can do this by using tea lights, fairy lights, or opening the window blinds. If you are laboring in the hospital or birthing center, shut off all the fluorescent lights. You will instantly feel your body relax. The labor and delivery team is usually ok working in the dim light. If they need more light to complete a task they should let you know before turning on any lights so you can prepare by closing or covering your eyes.

Items. Surround yourself with, or have items from home that make you feel happy. If you have a favorite blanket, stuffed animal, or pillow, have them near you or bring them with you. Make a slide show with photos and videos of loved ones, fur babies, or your other children. This will also help add to your calming atmosphere. 

Smells. Things that smell like home are familiar and safe. Surround yourself with familiar scents that make you feel relaxed using aromatherapy. This can also help mask other smells and make for a more pleasant experience. For example, lavender scents can be calming, citrus scents can make you feel energized, and peppermint can help deter nausea.

Sounds. How do you want the space to sound?  Would like it to be quiet, listen to music, listen to a sound machine, listen to affirmations, watch your favorite TV show, or if you would like to talk and joke with your partner and/or labor team? Have a few options available in case you change your mind in the moment.

People. Keep your significant other or birth partner close to you. Have them hold you, kiss you, touch you, make you laugh, or just be present. Set boundaries before labor starts as far as who you want and who you don’t want to be there during your labor and birth. Also, set boundaries for texting or messaging friends and family during this time. If there are people who you feel will disrupt your calm atmosphere, think long and hard about it before you invite them to join you during this special time. If you feel they may cause you stress or make you feel anxious, they could affect the outcome of your labor. This should also be considered when choosing the providers that will care for you during your pregnancy, labor, and birth. This is your journey and your choice!

Familiarity. Anything that you plan on doing, using, or listening to during your labor should be familiar. Make a playlist and listen to it often during pregnancy, listen to affirmations that you enjoy and that resonate with you, practice using a birth ball, try different aromatherapy scents that you enjoy, and practice breathing techniques. The more familiar you are with all of these things before your labor starts, the more natural they will feel and allow you to relax into your labor more easily. This way you will have an easier time focusing on yourself and your baby.

Food. Make sure to have your favorite foods and snacks ready and available. If you are not laboring at home, bring a cooler to the hospital or birth center. This way you have food ready and available to help keep your energy up while you are laboring. You and your partner will need to make sure you are eating and staying hydrated. 

Remember, labor is 80% mental and 20% physical. You will listen to what you tell yourself and your body will respond to that. Set yourself up for success by surrounding yourself with positive thoughts/self-talk, a safe and relaxing atmosphere, and positive people. Most importantly trust your intuition. You’ve got this!