Creating a Sacred Space for Birth in the Hospital

It is important for the birthing space for women to be a safe and private place, as some will call it, a sacred space.  When the woman comes into the birthing place, she should be encouraged to make the birthing space her own.  That is why I encourage women to come on hospital tours during pregnancy and look at the spaces available for birthing.  In this space, she will be doing incredible work, that of bringing her baby into the world.

Here are some things to think about:

• What is in the room?  Is there the ability to have music? Nature sounds? Sounds of ocean waves? TV? DVD?
• Can the room be full of light? or dark as night, even in the day?  
• Are there signs that can be put on the door to keep the room private?  Can you bring your own signs?
• Is there room to walk around in the room?
• Is there room in the bathroom for you and your partner to be in there comfortably?
• What kind of seating is available in the room?
• Any availability to have aromatherapy?   Diffusers?
• Are birth balls available?
• Make notes of the things not there.  If you are going to birth there, you will need to put them on your list.

After the tour, make your list!  What will you bring with you in your birth bag?  Here are some things that women find helpful:

• CD Player or your phone with your favorite play list
• Flameless candles, battery operated tea-lights are great around the tub and around the room  (remember, candles with lighted flame are not allowed)

  

  Flameless candles

• Make your own door sign!  Have fun with this! 

Door Signs for Your Labor Room

• Affirmations for birth.  Signs in the room to look at and give you strength
• Aromatherapy diffuser OR cotton balls with some pure essential oils.  Some favorites peppermint (for nausea), lavender or your favorite (for relaxation), a citrus flavor (to perk you up for the pushing stage)
• Snacks available for you and your partner
• Your own pillows and perhaps a favorite blanket

When you get there:

• Keep the door to your room closed.  Put your door sign up!
• Everyone who comes into your birthing space should knock on the door prior to coming in.
• If there is also a curtain in the room by the door, pull it.  This will set up a double barrier so that others will not walk right in on you while you are laboring.
• Do you have something special you want to wear during labor?  Most of the time, this is ok too!
• Turn on your music.
• Set the lights to how you like them.  Ask if the lights can be turned down.
• Remember, if everything is going great, you do not have to stay in the bed!  Get up, walk around, be comfortable

This is your space while you are birthing.  Make it your own!  Feel comfortable!  
This is your own sacred birthing space!