LABOR & DELIVERY

Comfort Measures During Labor

Comfort measures may ease labor pain directly or indirectly by soothing and relaxing you.

During labor, create a calm environment, increase physical comfort, participate in patterned breathing, make movement and position changes.

When you choose to give birth at Woman’s, you have access to a variety of amenities.

  • The nursing staff is trained to respond to the special needs of women who have chosen to have non-medicated births.
  • Each birthing suite has independent temperature and lighting controls.
  • With physician approval, Woman's laboring tubs can be used in the later stages of labor to help relax muscles and minds.
  • A birthing ball and a birthing bar are available upon request.
  • Women are encouraged to bring pictures, music or aromatherapy products that can calm them and help them focus.

The emphasis during labor ought to be entirely on the mother.

That means she gets to decide who is in the room and what the room feels and looks like. It’s a good idea to inform family and friends whether or not they're invited to the labor before labor actually starts.

Despite the advice and anecdotes that are frequently showered upon mothers-to-be, there is no such thing as the one single right way to have a baby.  

At Woman’s, a laboring woman can count on plenty of support and resources to guide her through this life-changing event, however it unfolds.


The happiest possible birthday! Your comfort during labor is important to us.

We hope this menu will help you better understand your pain relief options. Please discuss your pain control goals and comfort options with your doctor and nurse. We encourage you to involve your support person to help you with comfort actions during labor.


Woman’s Labor & Delivery Comfort menu helps expecting mothers understand the pain relief options available.

Menú de comodidad para el trabajo de parto y el parto [pdf] »

    Bring these items from home to make your stay more comfortable.  

    • Deodorant 

    • Comb/brush 

    • Your toothbrush/toothpaste 

    • Music/prepare a playlist 

    • Headphones 

    • Laptop or tablet 

    • Books/magazines 

    • Board games or playing cards 

    • Extra pillow 

    • Device chargers 

    • Glasses/contact lenses 

    • Change of clothes 

    • Emergency contact list 

    These comfort items are available help with your stay. 

    • Warm compress 

    • Warm blankets 

    • Ice pack 

    • Extra pillow for positioning 

    • Fan 

    • Disposable mesh underwear 

    • Non-skid socks 

    • Eye mask 

    Certain actions may comfort you during your stay at Woman’s. 

    • Walking in the hall 

    • Bed repositioning 

    • Gentle stretching (yoga mat) 

    • Birthing ball 

    • Birthing stool 

    • Peanut ball 

    • Slow dance 

    • Shower/bath 

    • Sleep time  

    • Massage 

    • Counter pressure 

    Expecting and new mothers have many options to help aid in relaxation. 

    • Stress ball   

    • Massage balls 

    • Visit from our chaplain 

    • Visit from a social worker 

    • Soothing music  

    • Guided imagery  

    • Quiet 

    • Change the lighting (lights out, close the blinds) 

    • Aromatherapy 

    • Virtual reality headset 

    • Slow deep breathing 

    Many expecting and new mothers have these personal care items with them during their time at Woman’s. 

    • Lip balm 

    • Shampoo/conditioner 

    • Wash basin 

    • Mouth swab 

    • Lotion 

    • Tissue 

    • Hair ties 

    We offer expecting and new mothers various entertainment options. Some choose to also bring items from home. 

    • Television 

    • Comfort channel 

    • Internet 

    • Notepad and pencil  

    • Puzzle books and coloring pages 

    • Music 

    It is important to maintain your nutrition and hydration during your stay at Woman’s. 

    • Water 

    • Juice 

    • Broth 

    • Ice 

    • Popsicles 

    If your comfort measures aren’t relieving your pain, discuss medication options with your nurses. 

    • Oral 

    • IV 

    • Epidural