Creating a Calm Environment for Birth: The Holistic Approach

Key Takeaways

• A holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth considers the body, mind, and spirit, and trusts the natural progression of labor and delivery.
• A calm environment is important for birth as it can positively affect labor hormones, such as oxytocin and endorphins, which are essential for labor progression and pain relief.
• Creating a calm environment involves preparing the physical space and catering to sensory preferences, as well as communicating your wishes and ensuring support from your birth partner, midwife, or doctor.

Creating a Calm Environment for Birth: The Holistic Approach

Giving birth is one of the most profound and transformative experiences in a woman’s life. It is also a time when she needs to feel safe, comfortable, and supported by her surroundings. A calm and relaxing environment can help her cope with the intensity of labor and enhance her natural ability to give birth.

But what does a calm environment for birth mean? And how can you create one for yourself? In this blog post, we will explore the concept of a holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth, and share some practical tips on how to prepare your home or hospital room for a peaceful and positive birth experience.

What is a holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth?

A holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth is one that considers all aspects of an individual, including the body, mind, and spirit. It recognizes the impact of the mind and spirit, as well as the physical body, on the experience of pregnancy and birth. Physical health, values and beliefs, relationships, emotional wellbeing, and spirituality all affect pregnancy and birth. In turn, the experiences of pregnancy and birth influence body, mind, and spirit.

A holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth also trusts the natural progression of labor and delivery. It respects the innate wisdom of the birthing body, which is designed to conceive, nourish, and give birth to a baby. It avoids unnecessary interventions that can disrupt the natural flow of labor hormones and cause more complications. It also incorporates integrative therapies, such as massage, aromatherapy, acupuncture, yoga, meditation, and hypnobirthing, to prevent or treat common discomforts and challenges of pregnancy and birth.

A holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth is not the same as natural childbirth, which can have different meanings for different people. Some may associate natural childbirth with a complete avoidance of medication or interventions, while others may use it to describe a birth that follows the natural course of labor, with or without pain relief or assistance. A holistic approach is more flexible and individualized, allowing each woman to make informed choices that suit her unique needs and preferences.

Why is a calm environment important for birth?

A calm environment is not only important for comfort, but also for the physiological process of labor. The environment in which a woman gives birth can profoundly affect her labor hormones, such as oxytocin and endorphins, which are essential for labor progression and pain relief.

Oxytocin, often called the love hormone, is responsible for stimulating contractions, enhancing bonding, and promoting breastfeeding. Oxytocin is released when a woman feels safe, relaxed, and loved. On the other hand, stress, fear, or anxiety can inhibit oxytocin and trigger the release of adrenaline, the fight-or-flight hormone, which can slow down or stop labor.

Endorphins, also known as the natural painkillers, are released when a woman copes with the intensity of labor. Endorphins can create a state of euphoria, relaxation, and detachment, helping a woman to transcend the pain and focus on the birth. Endorphins can also enhance bonding and breastfeeding after birth.

A calm environment can facilitate the optimal release of oxytocin and endorphins, making labor more efficient and less painful. A calm environment can also help a woman to feel more confident, empowered, and in control of her birth experience.

How to create a calm environment for birth?

Creating a calm environment for birth involves not only preparing the physical space, but also the emotional and spiritual space. It involves catering to your sensory preferences, comfort needs, and personal values. It also involves communicating your wishes to your birth partner, midwife, or doctor, and ensuring that they respect and support them.

Here are some practical tips on how to create a calm environment for birth, based on the five senses:

Sight

• Choose a place that feels familiar, cozy, and private, whether it is your home, a birth center, or a hospital room.

• Dim the lights, or use candles, lamps, or fairy lights to create a soft and warm ambiance.

• Cover any clocks, monitors, or other distracting devices with a cloth, a photo, or a piece of art.

• Decorate your space with pictures of your loved ones, positive affirmations, or inspiring images.

• Wear comfortable and loose clothing that makes you feel good and allows easy access for skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding. 

Sound

• Play soothing music, nature sounds, or guided meditations that help you relax and focus.
• Use headphones or earplugs to block out any unwanted noises, such as beeping machines, loud conversations, or traffic sounds.
• Ask your birth partner, midwife, or doctor to speak softly and gently, and to limit unnecessary interruptions or questions.
• Express yourself freely, whether it is moaning, groaning, breathing, or talking. Your voice is a powerful tool to release tension and cope with pain.

Smell

• Use essential oils, such as lavender,  peppermint, lemon or sandalwood to create a pleasant and therapeutic aroma. You can diffuse them, spray them, or inhale them from a tissue or a cotton ball.
• Avoid strong or unpleasant smells, such as alcohol, disinfectant, or perfume, that may trigger nausea or discomfort.
• Bring a pillow, a blanket, or a scarf from home that has a familiar and comforting smell.

Taste

• Stay hydrated with water, coconut water, juice, or herbal tea. Use a straw or a squeeze bottle for easy drinking.
• Eat light and nutritious snacks, such as fruits, nuts, yogurt, or granola bars, to keep your energy levels up. Avoid heavy or spicy foods that may cause indigestion or heartburn.
• Treat yourself with some chocolate, honey, or candy to boost your mood and blood sugar.
• Have some ice chips, popsicles, or gum to refresh your mouth and ease nausea.

Touch

• Use a birthing ball, a chair, a bed, or a tub to find a comfortable position for labor. Change positions frequently to help your baby descend and to ease pressure and pain.
• Apply heat or cold to your lower back, abdomen, or perineum to soothe sore muscles and reduce inflammation. You can use a hot water bottle, a heating pad, a warm bath, a cold pack, or a frozen towel.
• Massage your shoulders, neck, back, legs, or feet to release tension and stimulate blood circulation. You can use oil, lotion, or a massage tool, such as a tennis ball or a roller.
• Ask your birth partner, midwife, or doctor to provide physical and emotional support, such as holding your hand, hugging you, stroking your hair, or encouraging you with positive words.

Creating a calm environment for birth is not only a matter of aesthetics, but also a matter of health and wellbeing. By following these tips, you can enhance your natural ability to give birth and have a more satisfying and memorable birth experience. Remember, you are the expert of your own body, and you deserve to have a birth that reflects your values and preferences.

FAQ

1. What is a holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth?

A holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth considers all aspects of an individual, including the body, mind, and spirit. It recognizes the impact of the mind and spirit on the experience of pregnancy and birth, and incorporates integrative therapies to prevent or treat common discomforts and challenges.

2. Why is a calm environment important for birth?

A calm environment is important for both comfort and the physiological process of labor. It can affect labor hormones like oxytocin and endorphins, which are essential for labor progression and pain relief. A calm environment can also help a woman feel confident, empowered, and in control of her birth experience.

3. How can I create a calm environment for birth?

Creating a calm environment for birth involves preparing the physical space as well as the emotional and spiritual space. Some practical tips include dimming the lights, playing soothing music, using essential oils, wearing comfortable clothing, and having a support person who respects and supports your wishes.

4. Does a holistic approach to pregnancy and childbirth mean avoiding interventions?

No, a holistic approach is more flexible and individualized. It allows each woman to make informed choices that suit her unique needs and preferences. It respects the natural progression of labor and delivery but does not necessarily mean complete avoidance of medication or interventions.