Table 2 Key characteristics of alternative and standard delivery rooms

Guiding focus of the physical birth environment

Promoting feelings of well-being, freedom, and control. A safe and normal birth with minimal intervention

Medical safety

Visual and auditory stimuli

Snoezelen-inspired audial and visual scenery on three walls providing positive distractions

The woman may bring own sound device

Interior, furniture, and equipment

Nordic contemporary style furniture resembling private home environment

Traditional hospital furniture and equipment, including lounge chair

Traditional hospital labor bed and necessary equipment covered or placed less visibly

Traditional hospital labor bed as central feature of room

Bathtub

Bathtub may be available

Relaxation area with sofa bed, chairs, and coffee table

Privacy

Single occupancy, private bathroom

Single occupancy, often private bathroom

Light

Overhead light off unless needed for assessment purposes

Overhead light controlled by staff, usually on unless the woman is sleeping

Dimly lit scenario projections controlled by woman and her partner

Dimmed light in relaxation area