- Songs for Childbirth - jdurham at morguefile.com
Labor and music have a lot in common. Music makes you want to dance, taking over your body with the rhythmic beat; calming your mind or energizing it, depending on the song. Labor has a similar way of taking control. The rhythmic contractions of childbirth might not make you want to tap your toe, but when you combine music and labor it becomes easier to relax and let nature take its course.
Choosing a Labor Playlist
When you're picking music for labor and delivery, don't assume you'll want Brian Eno's Neroli or a bunch of love songs or the Celtic Women's greatest hits or a bunch of heavy metal. Sure, you know your music preferences best, but the goal is to choose music that helps you relax your body without distracting you. The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth teaches expectant mothers to spend time each day focusing on relaxation, in order that the body and mind become accustomed to the surrender that makes unmedicated birth easier.
If you're setting aside a time to meditate or relax each day, experiment with different kinds of music to see which one you find most helpful. Once you've narrowed it down, create a few different playlists in case your actual mood in labor is different than you predicted. Many women are surprised to prefer a more powerful music in labor. Rock and roll, heavy metal, deep house, the blues and everything in between can make great labor playlists. The goal is to choose music that can help you relax.
Hypnotic Music for Childbirth
Enigma's MCMXC A.D., released in 1990 is well-known for its entrancing combination of techno, chanting and deep breathy tones. It's popular for use in situations where conception may occur, the backbeat mimics a human heartbeat and receptive listeners may find their bodies syncing up with the progression in the music.
In early labor this type of relaxation can help foster complete physical surrender. The sensual overtones in the song may help relax tense vaginal muscles. Don't be afraid to make out if this soundtrack inspires you, the coming weeks may find you feeling a little less aroused.
Relaxation Music for Labor and Delivery
For unconventional sounds, try the Italian trance musician Gino Fioravanti. He has a reputation for amazing relaxation music, some with Tibetan chants intermingled. Randon Myles' Healing Meditation discs are also great for helping you focus on your labor to stay calm and open. You might also want to try Karma Moffett's Golden Bowls, DJ Olive's Sleep or Winter Embrace II by Altus.
If the alternative music isn't your style, some soft reggae might loosen you up a bit. Bob Marley is very popular for relaxation in labor. Indian music, the type often used for belly dancing is also good for relaxing. In fact, the hip rotation in Belly Dance is great for childbirth. Just make circles with your hips when the pains come, and turn up the music. Enya and Sarah McLachlan are popular additions to labor playlists, too.
Classical Music for Childbirth
A lot of women find the deep strong voices of Luciano Pavarotti and Andrea Boccelli to be soothing. Composer Brahms also has very relaxing rhythms. Don't be surprised if you find relaxing music a bit bothersome during hard labor, or when your body is working very hard. Keep that iPod handy and change it between contractions if you need to. The right music can transform you, making you feel like a powerful woman.
Music is one of the best ways to escape into your mind and body. Drowning out the sounds in the room can help you focus on the inner task of allowing your baby to come through your body. There's no right or wrong music for labor. Choose whatever music helps you focus on the inner work, responding to your body's needs for repositioning and opening without feeling fear or tension. Experiment during pregnancy and give yourself several options, because the music you might expect to enjoy won't always work out for you. Indeed, flexibility and letting go of expectations may be the first lesson motherhood has to offer.
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Lisa Russell - Lisa Russell is a freelance writer and mom of six daughters. She blogs about their life at lisarussell.org
