Women dream of being pregnant. They dream of feeling their baby move, they dream of seeing their baby for the first time, they dream of being a mom. Labor usually isn’t something that women dream about or something that they get excited over. They are nervous about it, scared of the pain and usually just want to skip it all together. Labor doesn’t have to be that way! Not every woman is the same, not every labor is the same, so how you labor shouldn’t be the same as everyone else either. By having a few things that will make you excited for your labor and help you relax during it, you can actually dream about the labor you want.
Here are ten ideas that you can use to make your labor dream worthy:
Candles- Labor can be everything but relaxing. So anything that helps relax you is definitely helpful. By bring a few (flameless) candles to the hospital or lighting a few in your home, it can give your area a spa-like feel.
Extra Soft Socks- Wherever you give birth, make sure you think of your feet! Soft socks will not only keep your feet warm, they’ll feel like little pillow wrapped around your feet. Just make sure your socks have grips on the bottom, you don’t want to slip! And bring a few pairs in case you need to change them.
Hospital Gown- Get a beautiful hospital gown that you can look forward to wearing. Wearing your own gown, can make you feel comfortable and beautiful throughout your labor.
Birth Photographer- There are so many precious moments that happen throughout labor, the father comforting the mother, family and friends waiting anxiously out in the lobby, the mother taking a break between contractions. During labor, many women go into an alternative state. Mothers are 100 percent focused into bringing their baby into the world, and so they don’t always realize what is going on around them. With a birth photographer present, the mother can relive those precious moments and see how beautiful her labor was.
Doula- Also known as a birth companion, a doula provides physical and emotional support to not only the mother but to the father as well. Doulas bring a calm presence to the birth and are with you from beginning to end, and even throughout postpartum .
Baby Name Banner- Bring style to your baby’s hospital bassinet. It’s such a cute way to personalize your space and the nurses won’t spell your baby’s name wrong!
Relaxing Soundtrack- For me the sound of waves instantly relaxes me. Just by closing my eyes, I’m instantly transported to a tropical beach without a care in the world. If waves aren’t your thing, play a CD or stream something that relaxes you.
Aromatherapy- Aromatherapy can help relax you and helps relieve pain. It also helps that it smells amazing! Just know that when you are in labor your sense of smell may be heightened.
Body Oil/Lotion- During and after labor, one of the best feelings is being massaged. Make sure you have your favorite body oil or lotion close by so the people who are with you at your labor can help any time throughout the labor.
Water- At my home birth, I had chocolate coconut water, it was ready to go in my fridge and I was actually excited for my labor just so I could drink it! Even if it’s a simple change to coconut water, flavored water, or sparkling water it can make a huge difference!
Was there a must have that you needed at your birth? Or that you’re bringing to your birth? Let me know and it might get added to the list!
