How to Make Your Hospital Labor Room Feel Like Home
Hospitals are designed for function, not comfort—but that doesn’t mean your labor room has to feel sterile and impersonal. Birth is an intimate experience, and creating a cozy, familiar environment can make a big difference in how you feel during labor. The more relaxed and at ease you are, the more your body can do what it was made to do.
Here are some simple ways to transform your hospital room into a space that feels warm, calming, and uniquely yours.
Dim the Lights - Harsh fluorescent lighting can feel anything but soothing. Most hospitals have dimmable lights, but bringing your own soft lighting—like LED candles, fairy lights, or a small battery-powered lamp—can instantly shift the atmosphere and help you feel more at home. Galaxy projectors transform the room entirely!
Bring Your Own Comfort Items - Think about the little things that bring you comfort at home. A cozy blanket, your favorite pillow, or even a soft robe can make the hospital feel less clinical. Familiar scents can also be grounding, so consider bringing essential oils or a lightly scented pillow spray (just check with hospital policies first). In lieu of a diffuser I actually suggest putting essential oils on cotton balls so they can be discarded easily if the scent “turns” on you!
Play Your Own Music or Sounds - Music has the power to set the mood and help with relaxation. Create a playlist ahead of time with songs that make you feel calm and empowered. If music isn’t your thing, white noise, nature sounds, or Hypnobirthing tracks can also create a peaceful atmosphere. I find students tend to prefer Hypnobirthing Labor Affirmations, or just the background music of the tracks they’ve been practicing with!
Personalize the Space - Hang up affirmations, birth mantras, or even photos of loved ones and past experiences that bring you joy. A simple roll of painter’s tape can help attach things to the walls without damage (you can also ask for medical tape from a nurse). This small step can be a powerful reminder of your strength and support system!
Dress Comfortably - Hospital gowns are optional! Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable and unrestricted, whether it’s a loose dress, a soft tank top, or a nursing-friendly robe. Feeling good in what you wear can help you feel more in control. There are 3 in 1 hospital gowns you can purchase for your special day as well - something to wear for labor, postpartum, and as a nightgown!
Control the Room’s Energy - Your birth space should feel safe and supportive. If too many interruptions or people in the room disrupt your focus, it’s okay to ask for privacy. Let your birth team know your preferences so they can advocate for a calm, peaceful environment. Hypnobirthing students get a special “door sign” to hang that lets incomers know the vibe inside the room so they don’t interrupt it.
Bring Your Own Snacks and Hydration - YES you can eat! Having your favorite drinks and light snacks on hand can keep you feeling nourished and energized. Coconut water, honey sticks, or electrolyte drinks are great for keeping up stamina during labor.
Get Out of Bed - Hospital rooms tend to put the bed at the center making it seem like you HAVE to be in it, but that’s not necessarily true! If you don’t have an epidural, make full use of the room like the shower, a chair, even the floor. Grab linens, pillows, blankets and towels from the cabinets or ask a nurse for what you need.
Utilize Gentle Movement Tools - A birth ball, peanut ball, or even your own rebozo can make movement more comfortable and help labor progress naturally. Ask your provider what’s available at your hospital or bring your own from home.
Surround Yourself with Support - The most important part of making your hospital room feel like home is having the right people by your side. Whether it’s your partner, doula, or a trusted friend, being surrounded by people who make you feel safe and supported can make all the difference.
BONUS TIP
Can’t control much of the environment? A sleep mask is a great way to block out bright lights and remove distractions like facial expressions and medical equipment!
Your Birth, Your Space
No matter where you give birth, you deserve to feel comfortable and at ease. By bringing in elements of home, you can create a space that feels warm, familiar, and truly yours—helping you relax into the incredible journey of birth.
What would you bring to your hospital room to make it feel more like home? Let us know in the comments!
