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I'd like to credit this to Natal Hypnotherapy...
Brains:
B - Benefits. How will it be helpful?
R - Risks. What are the risks, and don't be fobbed off with "minimal". Of course they're minimal, but WHAT are they?
A - Alternatives. HCP's will offer the routine option. Classic example is that after extended pushing, assisted birth is often the "option". Walking up the stairs is also an option as it helps baby to descend. However, it's not often offered in hospital as it requires finding stairs!
I - Instinct. What is yours telling you?
N - Nothing. What happens if we do nothing?
S - Second Opinion. You are entitled to a second opinion, even in the throes of labour!
I'm not suggesting that you pooh-pooh all offers of intervention (I don't know the reasons that you can't have a HB, so don't want to comment on factors I'm unaware of), there are times when interventions are the right thing, and that is the point to be pleased that we have such an advanced medical system here.
As for what you can do in hospital, what you need to achieve are the "conditions" that are good for conception. Somewhere private, safe, quiet, warm etc.
Now, you can't put locks on the door, but to have your birth partner "get" the door every time someone knocks, rather than them just barge in after a knock/just shouting them to come in.
You can "hide" the medical-ness of the room by "hiding" the kit you don't need. Ask if the "baby-warming" kit can be put outside, or bring sheets/blankets to cover things like that.
Smells are hugely important to humans - most people will know what I mean by the smell of Christmas! It transports you to a different time and place. What you need to do is make the hospital smell vanish by bringing your own. Bring essential oils on tissues, or a scarf to wrap round your face which has been washed in your washing powder.
Being quiet is useful - get people to avoid talking during a contraction.
The key is making you feel comfortable in the space you're in. I know I'm a stuck record, but Natal Hypnotherapy have a Birth Prep CD which is specifically designed for hospital births. It contains post-hypnotic suggestions which use triggers that you will find in hospitals resulting in a relaxation response in you. I used the home birth version for my HB and I recommend the programme to everyone. If I think of anything else I'll let you know
However, they were more for the birth partners rather than labouring mothers (you should be doing nothing but birthing), so I can't remember it all, but I'll get them to you ASAP. It goes along the lines of - 
