I had Palace in a hospital, naturally. Natural hospital births are not very common, but definitely doable if you prepare and have a plan. I personally had a very positive experience having a natural hospital birth. My birth plan this time is similar to my birth plan with Palace. However, there are a few things I want to do a little differently. Also, there are a few things I want to bring along to create a more peaceful and relaxing atmosphere for laboring. In this post I am sharing with you 6 things I plan to do that I think will help to create an ideal birthing space in a hospital setting.

1. Dim the lighting. Oxytocin, the hormone that causes your uterus to contract, is a night hormone. It’s also the same hormone that is released when you breastfeed, when you’re in love, when you orgasm and, when it’s dark! Oxytocin is an intimate hormone and it can be fickle during the early stages of labor. We want to keep that oxytocin flowin’! One way I plan to do that is by dimming the lights. I’m also going to bring some fairy lights to hang somewhere in the room. I love fairy lights! I think they are romantic and relaxing and that’s the kind of atmosphere I’m hoping to achieve.

2. Two words: birthing cards. This one may not seem like a big deal but, it actually made a huge difference for me. If you haven’t heard of birthing cards, you need to! You can buy them or make your own. For mine, I took some white note cards and painted them with cute pictures, sayings and scriptures. My mom read these pretty little cards to me over and over while I was laboring. Constantly filling your mind with encouraging things is so important when you are in labor. I am a strong believer that if you think you can do something, you will. Labor is hard. Speaking positive, encouraging things over yourself is so important.

3. Bring a diffuser. We use essential oils a lot in our household. I plan to bring my diffuser and some oils and oil blends that are calming, soothing and relaxing. Be sure you are aware of your hospital’s policy on this beforehand.

4. Pack your own pillows and blankets. This is something I wish I would have done with Palace. I spent a long portion of my labor, sitting up on the hospital bed, hugging a pillow. I think having my own pillows would have made a big difference in keeping me comfortable and feeling more at home and relaxed.

5. Make a labor playlist. Maybe your thing is complete peace and quiet or maybe you feel more relaxed with your favorite band playing in the background. When I was in labor with Palace, it was the middle of the night. I was seriously sleeping (for 3 min. intervals) between my contractions. This time I’m planning to make a playlist of music I think will “set the mood.” Remember, oxytocin is an intimate hormone. It flows better in a relaxed and intimate environment, so find music that makes you feel good and relaxed. Sometimes, depending on the circumstances, music actually makes me feel more anxious. I’m going to try it and may end up turning it off. It’s worth a shot though.

6. Have a supportive birth partner! This one is the biggest and most important one I can express. I’m so thankful to have had two supportive birth partners to walk (and sometimes carry) me through my labor. I had mostly all back labor with Palace. We had a massage therapist come in and show us a pressure point that helps relieve back labor. Mason ended up doing this during all of my contractions from that point forward. My mom was my verbal coach. She probably told me, “You can do this!”, “Breath..”, and “Hee Hee Hoo.” more times than either of us can count. Having people that are there to help you through labor is so important. I wouldn’t have made it through mine without my birthing partners. Whoever it is that will be there with you, have a conversation in advance about what you think you will need from them. Chat about your expectations, your fears, and how they can help you overcome. Talk about your birth plan so they can advocate for you. Make sure they are physically and mentally ready. Let them know how important it is for them to be strong for you. Talk and share the excitement too! Labor is hard, but the outcome is soooo worth the pain. The pain is only temporary. God made your body to be able to birth a child. You CAN do it! Women have been giving birth for generations! You got this, momma!