When preparing for the birth of a baby, we often make many important lists: what to pu to the hospital bag (if the birth is planned there), recommendations from a home midwife, food preps for the birth… These lists make the birth process easier, give us a sense of safety, and ensure we have everything we need.
My name is Anastasiia. I am a professional photographer and also a mother of two boys, both born at home. I created a space for my birth where my children and I felt safe and supported, and in doing so I healed my trauma of the story of how I was born I knew from my mom. My personal experiences turned out to be very positive, allowing me to notice many important details of the birth process and influence the experience of my clients.
This is not a medical article, and it doesn’t contain the information about risks. Instead, it’s here to help you focus on your own wishes and on creating a space that feels right for you and your baby. Read this article to discover how just a few simple details can influence your state of mind, the flow of labor, and even the way your memories of the day are formed.
Why the Environment Matters
Many studies show that surroundings—light, sounds, and atmosphere—affect how labor progresses, the well-being of both mother and baby, and even the level of risk. If the body perceives the environment as threatening (too much light, noises from medical equipment, unfamiliar people), labor can slow down as if the body is trying to find a safer place.
The following tips can help you prepare a space that supports your process.
Light and Windows
The well-known obstetrician Michel Odent has shown in his research that bright light can actually slow down labor. Dimmed lighting helps the body relax, quiets the mind, and makes it easier to trust the process. That’s why it’s important to prepare soft lighting before labor begins.
Practical ideas:
- At night: simply switch off the main light.
- During the day: use blackout curtains or even a simple cloth to soften direct sunlight.
- Mention in your birth plan that you prefer as little light as possible, especially avoiding sudden changes. Medical staff can always use a headlight if needed — you can even pack one in your birth bag.
And then comes the magic of details. As a photographer, I always think about light in the frame.
I never use flash, as it disrupts the intimacy of the moment. Instead, I suggest:
- Candles (real or electric) — their gentle flicker creates a cozy feeling.
- Fairy lights or string lights — in the room or even in a birth pool, surrounding the mother like stars.
- Decorative lamps andchristmas stars — they provide soft, diffused light.
Photographer’s tip: The soft lighting not only helps you relax, it also makes the photos tender, warm, and alive — without the cold hospital glare.
Flowers and Plants
Usually flowers arrive as a gift after the birth, but why not bring them in before your baby comes? Flowers can transform the atmosphere of a room within minutes. They add freshness, softness, and a connection to nature. For many women, this contact with the natural world during labor is a source of strength and comfort.
Practical ideas:
- Place fresh flowers in a vase (even a single eucalyptus branch can create coziness).
- Decorate walls with flowers in your favorite colors.
- Bring a floral-patterned swaddle for your baby.
Photographer’s tip: Flowers don’t just shift the atmosphere, they also create a beautiful backdrop for your photos. I can also help you honor the placenta by decorating it with flowers — making this powerful symbol of birth a meaningful memory for you and your child.
Atmosphere: Symbols and Meaningful Details
Birth is an intimate and sacred process. The space around you can either amplify your feelings or distract from them. That’s why it’s worth adding the details that support you in everyday life.
Practical ideas:
- A family photo, a favorite plant, a book, or a blanket in your special color.
- A figurine, icon, or other spiritual symbol that inspires you.
- Crystals, stones, or affirmation cards.
- A small altar with objects that remind you of your strength and inner purpose.
Additionally, essential oils can signal safety to the brain. If you used them during pregnancy, familiar scents can calm and support you in labor.
Photographer’s tip: These symbols don’t just create a sense of support — they also make your photos more personal and deep. When your details are in the frame, the photos become a story of your family.
Music
Music is another way to shape the atmosphere. It can help you relax or give you energy during the active stages of labor. You can move slowly with your partner\doula or solo following the music.
Practical ideas:
- Prepare a playlist in advance: it could include mantras, classical pieces, ethnic drumming, or even your favorite songs.
- Add different types: some for relaxation and some for when you need strength.
- If you don’t feel like listening to music, nature sounds (waves, rain, birdsong) can be just as powerful.
Photographer’s tip: The music won’t appear in the photos, but it creates a background that shapes your memory of the moment. Later, listening to same sounds with your baby can bring the memories back. Pleasant sounds also help the medical staff feel calmer in the birth room.
Conclusion
By creating a comfortable birth space—with soft lighting, gentle scents, symbolic details, flowers, and music—you’ll feel supported and calm throughout the process. This helps reduce tension, fear, and stress about the unknown, giving you a sense of control and peace.
When the space is arranged for you, it not only supports your body and emotions but also creates the perfect setting for photography. Warm light, meaningful details, and a natural atmosphere allow the moment of your baby’s arrival to be captured in the most tender and authentic way — memories that will stay with you forever.
You’ll experience safety, harmony with your body and the process, the joy of meeting your child — and you’ll have images that preserve the warmth and atmosphere of this unique day. Importantly, you won’t have to face the discomfort of harsh light, noise, or an unfriendly environment that can interfere with the natural flow of birth.
If you want to capture these gentle moments and are planning your birth, send me the word “Warmth.” I will get in touch with you, share all the details, and guide you on how to prepare your space for photos that feel both safe and comfortable.
Let’s talk about what feels right for you and make sure your memories of this day remain forever.
