Things to help relax at hospital

Re: Things to help relax at hospital

• alanap

  January 2013

  For me, with both my medfree births I planned on relaxing stuff, but once it got to the hard part none of that really mattered and I could care less about it, it was more about focusing on a focal point, having my husband right there and just taking it one contraction at a time.

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• aintmeamanatee

  January 2013

  I labored at home as long as I could in order to be relaxed during labor. I agree with the above post, once I was at the hospital, I was so focused, Bozo the Clown could have walked into the room and I would have been oblivious. CDs are a great idea! I also wore my own gown to be more comfortable. 

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• AmyRI member

  January 2013

  alanap:

  For me, with both my medfree births I planned on relaxing stuff, but once it got to the hard part none of that really mattered and I could care less about it, it was more about focusing on a focal point, having my husband right there and just taking it one contraction at a time.

  
  
  This. If I had to go in for an induction, I might try to bring comforting things, but when I showed up in labor I did not care at all how the room looked or smelled.
  
  If you do want peppermint, I'd bring tea bags. Either smell the bags themselves or brew a really strong cup to keep next to you.

  
  

  #3 Due April 2016

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• KateLouise member

  January 2013

  I stayed home as long as possible, so by the time I was there my surroundings had little impact on me.

  I realise, however, that some labour/births don't allow you the luxury of staying home, plus some people are more sensitive to their surroundings that I am.

  For the peppermint could you put some essential oil on a cloth? Or massage oil? Or lotion?

  Dimming the lights can make it feel more homey and less stark.

  Something to hold or meditate on that you love. Maybe a soft scarf with your favourite colours.

  Music is really good for lots of people.

  Good luck. 

  
  Elizabeth 5yrs old Jane 3yrs old

  
  

  
  
  

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• aylafsu88 member

  January 2013

  Honestly, when I got to the hospital I could have cared less about making it my own space.  I labored at home for @ 8 hours and transitioned to the hopspital when I knew LO was almost here.  I got to the hospital I was 6 cm and my water broke in triage.  As soon as I was checked in I got into the tub and labored there for a few pushes.  I then moved to the bed and delivered in the side position.  The total time from triage to delivery was less than 2 hours. Everything happened so quickly that I never worried about music or scents or making the room feel comfortable.  They only thing I needed was my doula and H provided pressure and water to drink.

  However, if you do want to use scents to relax what about soaking a towel in peppermint oil and having your H or support person hold/put it near your face so you can smell the scent?  What about rubbing some of the oil on your wrists or other places on your body so that you can have the smell close to you?
  

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• jo4janet member

  January 2013

  aintmeamanatee:

  I labored at home as long as I could in order to be relaxed during labor. I agree with the above post, once I was at the hospital, I was so focused, Bozo the Clown could have walked into the room and I would have been oblivious. CDs are a great idea! I also wore my own gown to be more comfortable. 

  This exactly!!! I waited as long as possible to go to the hospital and I think that helps, as well as your focus. It is mostly mind over matter. The right nurse is helpful, too. DH was an excellent coach. He helped with my contractions by rubbing my back and giving counterpressure. That helped SO much! I could not have done it without him. The nurse let me labor on a birthing ball, and that really helped, too.
  

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• FairyDuster003

  January 2013

  aintmeamanatee:

  I labored at home as long as I could in order to be relaxed during labor. I agree with the above post, once I was at the hospital, I was so focused, Bozo the Clown could have walked into the room and I would have been oblivious. CDs are a great idea! I also wore my own gown to be more comfortable. 

   

  I also agree. There was actually christmas music playing on the radio and I never noticed. Its funny because it really cracked me up afterwords that I had  done all of this planning especially for music and I never even noticed the radio was on! That being said, I probably wasn't the most relaxed person in the world. I fantasized about a calm, quiet labor where I was able to focus and breathe but I honestly just had to let go and yell when I felt like it and do what my body wanted. It was amazing though!!  

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• sbevmc09 member

  January 2013

  I think peppermint oil on some sort of cloth would probably be easiest, but if you're wanting to mimic more of a candle effect, what about a wax warmer?  The kind that you plug in.  That might be allowed since there's no flame and it would also give you a nice glow. 
  

  
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• Annaeliz84 member

  January 2013

  Thanks for all of the suggestions!  I too am hoping to stay at home for as long as possible, and maybe I wont care a hoot for any smells or music, but it can't hurt to try!

  

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