A simple, yet scientifically grounded intervention is transforming the experience of laboring women at the State Maternity Hospital (Hemu) in Goiânia, Brazil. Developed by the hospital’s Obstetrics Nursing Residency program, the use of coloring books is integrated into a humanization project focused on the emotional well-being of pregnant women, recognizing that caring for the mind is an essential part of caring for the body.
The practice isn’t simply a nostalgic pastime. As women hold pencils and fill in each design, they improve focus and breathing, reduce anxiety, and reframe their experience of labor. What might be fear transforms into presence; what might be tension, into confidence. The act of coloring promotes relaxation, fosters a sense of control, and strengthens the connection with the moment of birth, contributing to a more welcoming and woman-centered hospital environment.
This approach acknowledges the growing understanding of the interconnectedness of physical and emotional health during pregnancy and childbirth. Emotional comfort, the hospital demonstrates, directly impacts the health of both mother and baby. Humanizing care, isn’t a secondary consideration, but a safe and evidence-aligned strategy with positive repercussions for maternal and neonatal outcomes.
The benefits of adult coloring extend beyond simple distraction. Research suggests a link between focused artistic activities like coloring and measurable reductions in anxiety. A study published in the Journal of the American Art Therapy Association, for example, evaluated anxiety levels in undergraduate students after coloring a complex geometric design, such as a mandala. The results showed a decrease in anxiety and suggested the practice induced a meditative state. This meditative quality is particularly relevant in labor, where managing anxiety is crucial for both physical comfort and the progression of childbirth.
Amanda Santos Fernandes Coelho, coordinator of the Obstetrics Nursing Residency at Hemu, explains that the initiative reinforces a woman’s agency during labor. “When we offer strategies that help a woman feel safer and more welcomed, we are strengthening her autonomy and directly contributing to better maternal and neonatal outcomes. Humanizing care means offering evidence-based care, but also being sensitive to the emotional needs of each pregnant woman,” she stated.
The role of the obstetrics nurse, Coelho emphasizes, extends beyond technical skill. “Obstetrics nursing is science, technique, and decision-making based on evidence, but it is also qualified listening, attentive observation, and a presence that conveys security. By incorporating actions like this into care, we integrate technical knowledge and sensitivity, promoting a safer, more welcoming, and more meaningful birth experience for women and their babies.”
The increasing popularity of adult coloring books, particularly those featuring patterns like mandalas, zen tangles, and nature-inspired designs, reflects a broader cultural trend toward mindfulness and stress reduction. In , platforms like Instagram and Pinterest have become hubs for sharing coloring art, with dedicated online forums and Facebook groups providing spaces for discussion and support. This isn’t simply a return to childhood crayons and cartoons, but a deliberate effort to find moments of calm and focus in a fast-paced world.
The use of mandala coloring specifically has been investigated for its potential to reduce anxiety. A clinical trial, registered as NCT05534867, found that mandala coloring was effective in reducing pregnancy-related anxiety. This finding aligns with research exploring the effectiveness of coloring books as a novel method of mindfulness-guided instruction, with the aim of increasing mindfulness and decreasing anxiety. A study published in Frontiers in Psychology investigated whether mandala coloring increased mindfulness and decreased anxiety compared to free drawing, suggesting a potential link between the practice and mindfulness.
The Hemu initiative represents a practical application of this growing body of evidence. By providing coloring books to laboring women, the hospital is offering a simple, accessible, and non-pharmacological tool for managing anxiety and promoting emotional well-being. It’s a reminder that comprehensive maternal care extends beyond physical health to encompass the psychological and emotional needs of expectant mothers.
As healthcare systems increasingly prioritize patient-centered care, initiatives like this demonstrate the value of integrating holistic approaches that address the whole person. The simple act of coloring, it turns out, can be a powerful tool in creating a more positive and supportive birth experience.
