setting the mood for your HB

[SamGroom]

I will be having my second HB in March and the first time I was so worried about all the practical things like birth kit and other preparations that I never thought about setting the mood. Then when I did go into labor it was so fast that nothing got used, including our camera .

I am sure I will go pretty fast with this one also but would like to have some things ready ahead of time. Pictures or hand made posters of encouragement, candles, flowers and music. Things to make the space feel special. We will be setting up in our guest room so I will be able to have things up ahead of time.

Anything you had or did to "set the mood" that you LOVED. I remember my midwife brought flowers from her yard and it was GREAT.

[Carhootel]

I didn't have a homebirth but I thought I could chime in here to say that I did set up an alter at my house during pregnancy that helped me a lot during pregnancy and labor (when at home). It had all things that made me feel my best labor/momma self - crystals, pictures of my nieces and nephews, little statue of fertility goddess, little fish (I was gonna have a pisces baby) and I took things from that with me to the birth center when I left. I have a picture of me close to the end of my labor looking at my favorite pictures of my niece and nephew - knowing what was on the other side and how much I love them made me feel very prepared and confident in labor.

[emnic77]

One thing I really want to buy is a small indoor fountain...nothign fancy or elaborate, just one of those little tabletop fountains with a water pump, so I can have the sound of running water when I'm birthing. I love that sound and find it so soothing, so it's a must. I like having green plants around (I swear I would labor outside if I could) so will be moving a few more houseplants into our bedroom too.

[moonshoes]

I find the sound of water very soothing too, so tonight we finally set up our fish tank!

I am asking my friends to write something encouraging, or draw/paint a picture that I could surround myself with during labor - also candles and religious items. I definitely want someone there to take pictures, that's very important to me.

[berrymama]

I have Christmas lights strung over our bed (we have a canopy bed) and across the bathroom. I think it gives it a very quiet/calming feel, and we are going to have a Leboyer type birth, so no bright lights, etc. The Christmas lights give just enough light and are so pretty! I also have an essential oil diffuser ready to go with lavender or rose oil, and my 'relaxation' music playlist ready to go.

[zonapellucida]

sage candles and Indian Drums.....