A SENSORY APPROACH TO YOUR BIRTH SPACE
Photo credit: Unsplash stock images/@thephotographermom
Creating a birth space that makes you feel relaxed, comfortable and safe is vital to provide your body with the hormones it needs to thrive during labour and to avoid your brain going into survival mode. Setting up the space is something your birth partner could do to improve your experience and make you feel like you’re in this together.
One approach to setting up a dreamy birth environment, is to think about all the ways you can focus the birthing parent’s senses, so that they can zone out and relax during the waves of labour. Below is a list of ideas you can incorporate into any birth location.
TOUCH
Cozy, comforting items will help her to stay calm, warm and comfortable. Clothes need to be loose fitting, in dark colours to hide stains and able to be removed or moved to the side easily. Fluffy socks, blankets that smell like home, soft pillows for when she needs to rest and maybe even a silk pillowcase to protect her hair will help as well. If you already have children, maybe bring a soft teddy bear that smells like them to comfort her too.
TASTE
Birth is a marathon, not a sprint, therefore providing an array of energising snacks and drinks will help the birthing parent to refuel their energy and give their body the boost it needs to work to its full potential. Think electrolytes, slow-release carbs, easy-access and things that perk her mood when she needs encouragement to keep going. Now is not the time to try new foods that she may not like. Remind her to stay hydrated and have something substantial prepared for after birth, when she needs the sustenance to initiate breast/chest feeding.
SCENT
Your sense of smell is generally heightened during pregnancy and scent can be a powerful vehicle for memories. This is why having scents that she associates with relaxation or positive memories can really help during labour. Creating a self-care ritual like candle-lit baths, essential oil-fuelled massages etc can create positive associations during pregnancy, so that reminder to relax will be even stronger when you bring those same smells in. You could use diffusers, room spray, or items that smell like loved ones for this.
SOUND
Challenging your subconscious thoughts during pregnancy with new audio input is a big part of hypnobirthing, therefore playing the hypnosis and affirmation tracks during labour can help the birthing parent get back into a useful state of trance. You could also play sound baths or guided meditations to help create a zen vibe. Ear plugs and headphones are a must. The birth partner could also create a playlist to motivate, energise and relax her when needed. Music is a powerful tool to help her return to her happy place, especially when things get tough.
VISUAL
As our brains process images faster than any other type of data, having visual cues and reminders around can be a really effective way to get the birth you both envisioned. You could create a vision board of the birth plan as a team, put birth affirmations around the room where they are visible, pin up photos from home as a reminder of your birth intention. Watching feel-good films and shows, or watching something funny can also help with relaxing the birthing parent and boosting the right hormones. Portable blackout blinds, a sleep mask or fairy lights can also prevent you both from reaching sensory overload and help you to switch off.
In summary, where you choose to give birth can have a huge impact on how safe and comfortable the birthing parent feels during labour. Even if you aren’t able to give birth in your ideal location, there are loads of ways to curate an environment that promotes peace, familiarity and safety, so that their mind and body can work with them to achieve the birth story you both wished for.
Love, Megan
