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WOMEN'S & CHILDREN'S | Family Maternity Center | Pregnancy Resource Center | Pregnancy Library | Pregnancy Tips | Beautiful You: Pamper yourself at the hospital
Beautiful You: Pamper yourself at the hospital
Birth, even a hospital birth, does not have to be a clinical event with no special touches of comfort. Fortunately, more and more hospitals are designing labor and delivery suites to have some of the comfortable, safe feelings of home. With a little planning you can even pamper and enjoy yourself.
You really have two chances to indulge: in early labor and then once the baby's here. Early labor can last a long time, especially in a first birth. You don't want to exhaust yourself trying out your breathing techniques or lying in bed concentrating on the contractions. The more you can relax and rest or carry on with pleasurable activities, the easier active labor will be.
Take good care of yourself - Bring your own pillow from home. A favorite pillow can be a comfort to have around. They may not admit it often, but many adults even have stuffed animals. One neuroscientist at a major university routinely takes an extra suitcase on all trips. What's in the luggage? Cuddly bunnies, soft puppies and a whole host of stuffed favorites. Don't be ashamed to bring your teddy bear to the hospital.
- Make a tape of your favorite songs, bring along your favorite CD, or bring recordings of seashore sounds or anything else you find to be relaxing.
- Bring family photos of older children, family or a favorite vacation. It will make you feel good just to have their faces in front of you or to remember that special trip.
- Check to be sure it's okay for you to use aromatherapy during early labor. You can use a diffuser and bergamot (said to be uplifting, light and refreshing) or chamomile (helps calm the irritated, fretful or nervous person) fragrance to relieve tension and help you relax. Buy the essential oils at a health food or bath supply store.
After active labor starts, you'll have enough to keep you busy. Your idea of pampering yourself may shift to crunching ice chips or savoring a lollipop in between contractions. But once that baby is born and you are experiencing the full joy and exhilaration of the delivery, you'll want to yield to temptation: - Bring sparkling cider and plastic glasses to toast the birth of your child. It's the perfect moment for a celebration.
- As soon as you deliver you may want something delicious to eat. Either order in or have a special friend assigned to bring you take out. Pizza? A latte? No need to stick to hospital food on this day.
- Pack a box of chocolates, your favorite kind, in your hospital goody bag. If not now, when?
- New body lotion or fragrance can be a special treat. And don't forget to have comb, makeup and a new bathrobe on hand.
Date last reviewed: October 2002.
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