Hailey Tran
Having a baby is expensive, and the cost of childbirth is one of the most significant health expenses for many families. The average vaginal delivery in the US costs $4,314, while the average cesarean delivery costs $5,161. Hospital births are the most common type of birth, but they are also the most expensive. To keep costs down, it is recommended that you review your insurance coverage, choose a healthcare provider carefully, stick to your provider network, negotiate payments upfront, set up a payment plan, and be aware of additional costs for epidurals.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Pre-registration | Yes, it is recommended to preregister at the hospital to save time |
| Hospital bag | Essentials for the mother, baby, and birthing partner. This includes clothes, toiletries, snacks, chargers, and comfort items. |
| Car seat installation | Should be done in advance |
| Birth plan | Should be discussed with the support person and care team |
| Stay duration | Minimum of 2 nights, up to 48 hours after vaginal delivery and 96 hours after a C-section |
| Support persons | Up to two support persons are allowed, plus a doula |
| Labor symptoms | Call the obstetrician so they can prepare for your arrival |
| Labor progression | Staying at home until labor is established has a positive impact on birth outcomes |
| Labor monitoring | Monitors are used periodically to check the baby's heart rate and the mother's contractions |
| Postpartum room | Mother and baby are taken to a postpartum room after about 2 hours in the delivery room |
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What You'll Learn
Learn breathing techniques and practice them when relaxed
Learning breathing techniques and practicing them when you're relaxed is a great way to prepare for a calm hospital birth. Breathing techniques can help you stay calm, manage pain, and reduce discomfort during contractions without medication. They can also help you manage your stress, which may lead to better birth outcomes and reduce the risk of preterm labour and low birth weight.
There are several breathing techniques you can learn and practice. One technique is to focus on deep and rhythmic breathing. This involves finding a rhythm, such as inhaling for three counts and exhaling for three counts, and maintaining this rhythm throughout the contraction. Matching your breath to a specific count can help keep your mind occupied and distracted from any pain. You can also combine this with gentle movements, such as swaying or rocking, and synchronize your breathing with these movements.
Another technique is light, accelerated breathing, which is done in the active stages of labour when contractions become more intense. This involves taking an organizing breath, releasing tension with your exhale, and finding a focal point to focus on. As the intensity increases, lighten your breathing by taking shallow breaths at a rate of one breath per second, and breathe through your mouth.
You can also try cyclical breathing, which promotes relaxation and stress relief. To do this, find a comfortable position where your back is straight and take a slow, deep breath through your nose, allowing your abdomen to expand fully. Then, switch and exhale through the other nostril. Repeat this pattern for several cycles, focusing on the flow of breath.
It's important to practice these breathing techniques when you're already relaxed so that they become familiar and instinctive during labour. You can make it a part of your daily routine and try reading books or watching videos to learn more about different techniques.
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Understand the process of labour and each stage of birth
Understanding the process of labour and the different stages of birth can help you feel more prepared for what to expect. Labour is the process by which regular uterine contractions cause progressive cervical dilation and effacement, resulting in the expulsion of the fetus and other products of conception. This process is typically divided into three stages.
The first stage of labour begins with the onset of labour and ends when the cervix is fully dilated to about 10 cm. During this stage, you may be able to walk around and use the facilities, and you can request water or ice chips. You may not be able to eat during this stage, depending on your progress.
The second stage of labour starts when the cervix is fully dilated and ends with the birth of your baby. You may experience an urge to push, which can feel like the need to pass stool. Your midwife will help you find a comfortable position for giving birth, and you can push during contractions whenever you feel the urge. If you have an epidural, you may not feel the urge to push. When your baby's head is about to come out, your midwife will ask you to take short breaths to slow down the birth and allow the skin and muscles in the perineum area to stretch. An episiotomy, a small cut in the perineum, may be suggested to avoid tearing or speed up delivery.
The third stage of labour occurs after your baby is born and involves the delivery of the placenta. Your womb will contract, and the placenta will come out through your vagina. This stage can take up to an hour, but it usually only takes a few minutes to push the placenta out. The umbilical cord is typically cut after it has stopped pulsing, allowing blood to continue passing from the placenta to your baby.
Throughout the labour process, you will be supported by a dedicated team of medical professionals, including nurses, midwives, doctors, and other specialists. It is important for them to introduce themselves and keep track of who is caring for you to make your experience more personal. Attending prenatal classes, discussing concerns with your healthcare providers, and learning relaxation techniques can also help enhance your overall birth experience.
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Use aromatherapy and essential oils to relieve anxiety and pain
Aromatherapy and essential oils can be a great way to relieve anxiety and pain during labour. Aromatherapy is considered a complementary therapy, which means it can be used alongside other medical practices or on its own as an alternative to pain medications. Essential oils can be massaged into the skin, given in a warm bath, or diffused into the air using a diffuser.
The basic idea behind aromatherapy is that smelling something pleasant can make us feel good. Researchers think that aromatherapy might work by exposing the limbic system in the brain to molecules that stimulate that system. The limbic system is responsible for emotions and memories, so by stimulating that part of the brain, aromatherapy may decrease anxiety and tension, leading to reduced pain perception. It might also work by decreasing cortisol (a stress hormone) or increasing serotonin (a messenger between nerve cells).
Lavender is the most commonly used essential oil in studies and has been found to be effective in reducing labour pain and anxiety. It is widely used for its relaxing properties and as a sleep aid. Other essential oils that have been associated with reduced anxiety during labour include variants of rose and bitter orange. Peppermint may also help reduce nausea and vomiting.
It is important to note that while aromatherapy can be a helpful tool, it is very unlikely to eliminate all pain during labour and delivery. It is also important to use essential oils safely, as there is a chance of an allergic reaction or irritation if they are not used correctly. Always follow any provided instructions and dilute essential oils with a carrier oil before applying them to the skin.
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Make the hospital birthing suite calming and intimate
Making the hospital birthing suite calming and intimate can help to reduce stress levels and promote a positive birth experience. Here are some ways to achieve this:
Dim the Lights
Dim lighting can help to create a more intimate atmosphere in a large, bright hospital room. If it is not possible to adjust the lighting, consider using an eye mask or labouring in a windowless room to minimise external light sources.
Minimize Noise Distractions
Hospitals can be bustling environments with various sounds that may be distracting or overwhelming. Close the door to the birthing suite to reduce noise from the ward and pages over the intercom. If continuous monitoring is required, turn down the volume of the monitors if you find the sound distracting. Alternatively, if hearing the baby's heart rate is calming, you can turn up the volume.
Play Music
Music can be a powerful tool for creating a comfortable atmosphere and altering your mood. Prepare two playlists—one upbeat and fun to lift your spirits, and another calm and relaxing to reduce stress levels.
LED Candles
LED candles can create a warm and intimate glow in the room, providing a sense of calm without the fire hazard of real candles.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
Instead of a traditional hospital gown, consider wearing comfortable, loose clothing that allows for free movement and easy access for skin-to-skin contact after birth. Options include specially designed labour gowns, an oversized shirt, or a loose pyjama gown, or even your own robe. Remember that birth can be messy, so choose something that you won't mind getting ruined.
Aromatherapy and Essential Oils
Aromatherapy and essential oils can help relieve anxiety and pain during labour. They can also serve as hypnobirthing anchors, triggering positive memories and associations to enhance your sense of calm.
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Seek emotional support from a doula, midwife or obstetrician
Giving birth in a hospital can be stressful, but there are ways to make the experience calmer and more intimate. One way to do this is by seeking emotional support from a doula, midwife, or obstetrician.
A doula can provide a calming presence in the room and offer comfort and encouragement during labour and birth. They can also educate you about the birthing process, guide you through the stages of labour, and answer any questions you may have about interventions and the birth setting. Having a doula present can help keep you relaxed during labour and can also benefit your partner.
Midwives and obstetricians can also provide valuable support during pregnancy and labour. If you have fears or anxieties about childbirth, talking to a midwife or obstetrician can help. They can provide information about the labour process and reassure you that your feelings are normal. They can also offer advice on how to manage your fears and ensure the health of your baby.
In addition to seeking support from a doula, midwife, or obstetrician, there are other ways to create a calm and relaxing atmosphere during a hospital birth. This includes dimming the lights, shutting out noise distractions, and playing music to create a comfortable environment. Practising breathing techniques and relaxation methods beforehand can also help you stay calm and focused during labour.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several ways to make the hospital birthing suite more calming. You can dim the lights, shut out noise distractions, turn down the sound on the monitors, and play music. You can also wear comfortable, loose clothing that allows for free movement and easy skin-to-skin access at birth.
It is important to understand the process of labour and accept that pain and fear are normal. You can practice breathing techniques, relaxation, or self-hypnosis, and repeat positive words or phrases that bring you comfort. Having a calm and informed birth partner can also help.
You can consider having a doula or midwife present for emotional support and guidance. You can also use essential oils, acupressure, massage, or medication for pain relief and relaxation.
