- Use low lighting
This was simple when we were at home. I had one single candle burning through the night and I think the midwife may have used the light of her phone to make her notes. Oxytocin flows better and adrenaline is less likely to be produced if lighting is kept minimal. Ask your midwives if you can turn the lights down and consider investing in a dim light. Fake candles are great, as are colour changing lamps.
- Get comfy
I could write an essay on the optimum positions for birth but I’ll limit it here to saying there is absolutely no need to use the bed for labouring. Sit on it, keep your stuff on it, climb into it when you’re ready to sleep but when it comes to comfort in labour, I’d stay well clear. I planned to bring pillows and a soft blanket so I could make use of the floor, super-soft but dark-coloured pyjamas, my favourite shampoo and shower gel, a big fluffy towel (hospital ones can be threadbear and a little bit scratchy), socks to keep my feet warm and an elegant cover up to help me look and feel a bit pulled together when receiving visitors after baby had arrived.
- Work with essential oils
In the world of hypnobirthing, essential oils can be used as a trigger. If they are used frequently when you are relaxed (having them diffusing at night when you sleep is ideal), once labour starts, they will subconsciously remind you of your calm space at home. They will also mask the smell of disinfectant and the right oils can help support a woman in labour. Good choices are rose, neroli and lavender. I had a rose candle for use at home but for hospital, I bought a small pump spray bottle and added a few drops of an essential oil blend to water. The perfect homemade pillow spray.
Making a hospital room or a birthing centre feel more homely can seem a bit daunting but this was one of the jobs I asked my husband to take on. In the end, we didn’t need these small touches but I was reassured and probably more relaxed knowing that I had them ready to use.
Hannah is a KG hypnobirthing teacher, mama, writer and feminist. She’s passionate about women’s and children’s health, and runs hmhypnobirthing.co.uk, helping parents to be in south London plan for empowering, confident births. She can also be found on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
