Comfort Measures (Part 1): Environment

There are many ways to relieve pain during labor. There are the medicated options, but in this 4 part series I plan to cover the many natural pain-relieving techniques. The different categories of comfort measures that will be covered in this 4 part series are environment, positions, tools, and touch.
 
I recently heard someone say this, your birth space should feel similar to the environment of a spa.

That is a great way to help visualize your birth space – dark lighting, soft music, warm room, relaxing atmosphere, and a pampered momma! Setting up your birth space is so important, whether you plan to birth at home, a birth center, or at the hospital. There are many things that can help you have a more peaceful experience. I like to use the 5 senses as a starting point; it is amazing all the things our senses pick up and sometimes those sensory invaders can become helps or hindrances.
 
Sight
It is said that our eyes are the window to our soul. What is in your window? Are you taking in pleasant sights or are there stressors present? Some tips for setting up your ‘sight’ environment would be to…

1. Cover the clock (if needed),
   
2. Position positive affirmations & art in your space,
   
3. Dim the lights or light candles,
   
4. Create privacy – moms are very vulnerable in labor and having a private space might alleviate some anxiety (whether she is aware she is anxious or not)
   

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Sound
Sound is something many people may not realize is overloading mom’s senses because we naturally tune things out, but when a mother is in labor she tends to pick up on everything. To help create a peaceful ‘sound’ environment…

1. Turn on quiet, soft music or turn off the super fun playlist mom thought she might like!
2. Consider a sound machine with white noise or nature sounds,
3. Quiet the beeping on the baby’s heart monitor,
4. Turn off the TV (or on if it helps),
5. Quiet crying/anxious children – maybe you originally wanted your kids present, it’s ok to change your mind,
6. Use quiet, kind, hushed voices.

 
Smell
The worst thing to do, if I was the laboring mom, would be to arrive with onion breath! Just DON’T do it! Instead try…

1. Eating away from mom if needed,
   
2. Remove irritating aromas (onions, tuna, garlic),
   
3. Light moms favorite scented candles,
   
4. Use peppermint (essential oil) in a diffusor or on a cotton ball for nausea,
   
5. Use orange/grapefruit (essential oil) to brighten and re-energize
   

 
Taste
It is so important to make sure mom is properly hydrated and fueled up for the labor progress! I highly suggest a whole foods diet for pregnancy – it will help mom get lots of nutrients and vitamins to give her the strength and stamina to sustain her in labor. Consider the following…

1. Is mom drinking enough fluids,
   
2. Is she eating enough to refuel her energy,
   
3. Sucking on a peppermint can be good for nausea,
   
4. Sucking on a lollipop can actually be pain relieving (because of a pressure point on the roof of the mouth).
   

Touch
In part 4 of this comfort measures series I will cover the topic of touch in much greater detail, but for now here are some helpful tips to helping a laboring woman feel better…

1. Adjust the TEMPERATURE to her liking – If she is shivering, then she isn’t relaxing and we want mom relaxed!
2. Wear your husbands sweater (bonus if it smells like him), but seriously, wear something that is comfortable
3. Snuggle in your favorite blanket,
4. Even better, snuggle up with your pet,
5. Pick out a massage oil or lotion that you like before you start labor – there is nothing like finding out you hate the smell of something while you are laboring,
6. Communicate if you like the touches being given to you or not – you won’t hurt anybody’s feelings!
7. Get in the water (shower or tub)
   

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Emotions
Emotions are a huge part of the environment; they can set the tone of the whole birth space. So be aware of how they are influencing the atmosphere…

1. Are the people in the room supportive (negativity spreads and seeps so cut that out quickly),
2. Set the tone for others in the room – you can create a positive atmosphere by expressing praise and positive progress of the mom,
3. Anticipate moms needs before she asks,
4. And remember, mom needs to feel safe – she may want to make loud moans, she may want to take her clothes off – help create a safe place for her

 
I didn’t know where to put this last tip, but really it should be first on your list… get mom to use the restroom, frequently!

If you are planning to change labor locations, for example, you plan to move from laboring at home to laboring at your hospital or birth center of choice, consider how you can reset your birth space when you arrive. Maybe you plan to bring a speaker for soft music, some battery operated candles for ambient lighting, and printed affirmations (with tape) to post around the room!

Another great option to help you accomplish everything listed above, is to hire a doula! A doula helps you do thinking so both mom and dad can have a relaxing, enjoyable birth experience! Click here to find out how to get a doula!
 
One of my favorite things is seeing someone’s birth space or an affirmation that worked for them… Tell me how you are preparing your space or post a picture of how you would decorate your birth space!

If you are looking to join a childbirth class, I encourage you to check out my Birth Boot Camp class series! It is incredibly informative, fun, and couples walk away feeling prepared for an amazing birth!