How to Set Up a Labor Room at the Hospital

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The birth of your baby is a special event whether you're at home, a birth center or a hospital. If you are birthing in a hospital, you will have to bring some extra equipment to make your birth room more comforting and familiar. Making small adjustments in your room will make it more personal and a safer place for you to relax and give birth.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Strands of white lights or lamps
CD player and music
Birthing ball or other labor aids
Pictures of family
Focal points
Birth tub (if needed)
Birth plan

Step1

Place a few strands of white lights around the room. Draping them over the cabinets or your bed is a good idea. This will enable you to keep the bright lights off and the soft lights on. If you don't want to bring strands of lights, you can place one or two small lamps in the room instead.

Step2

Set up the CD player in a place that is free from cords and equipment. Also make sure it is easy to get to. It is a good idea to bring a battery operated one in case there are no available outlets in the room.

Step3

Place birthing aids (birthing ball, rice sock, massage tools) nearby so they are easy to reach when needed.

Step4

Place pictures of family or pets around the room for a more comforting space. Sometimes, it is helpful to have pictures of loved ones nearby for extra support.

Step5

Place focal points in interval places throughout the room. These can be any objects you would like to focus on during contractions.

Step6

If you will be using a birth tub, set it up in a place that is away from high room traffic. Usually, the corner of the room works best.

Step7

Post a copy of your birth plan on the door. This allows everyone who works with you to have a chance to review and respect your wishes during this special time in your life.

Tips & Warnings

Try to get a battery operated CD player
Buy a digital photo frame to display pictures. This takes up less space than traditional frames and can store plenty of pictures.
Keep lights and other wires away from medical equipment.

Comments

thebirthauthor said

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on 1/4/2008 Thanks for your comment. Yes, the door seems to work best. I have put it in charts before, but it gets overlooked, as well as when its just somewhere in the room. Placing it on the door draws enough attention to it that care providers can read it. The idea is to place it where it is seen! :)

grouch said

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on 1/4/2008 The idea of posting your birth plan on the door so everyone can read it and take part or not take part is the best idea I have heard. It is a hectic time and every little bit of peace that you have can help for miles.

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