music during birth?

[moodymomma]

I'm thinking of having music playing during my homebirth. Does anyone have any good recommendations for birthing music cds? Or maybe just (instrumental) song ideas to make a mixed cd? I'm not sure if it would be helpful or distracting to have music. Any thoughts or advice?

[rebirth]

I keep lots of relaxing yoga/instrumental/tribal/newage/nature CDs in my birth bag (I am a doula) all of those are good options!

[Gunter]

do you have any specific songs to recommend? 

[BubbleMa]

I plan to make a playlist of my favorite songs.  The one's that make me happy just hear.  :)  I'll probably make one of relaxing music too, just in case I'm in the mood for that.  Check out Putumayo cd's (you can also buy the MP3 versions).  They have really great stuff!  :)  http://www.putumayo.com/

[mamabadger]

My feeling is that music for a birth should be the music the mother normally enjoys and which has good associations for her, rather than some special, unfamiliar "birth music." There is music sold specifically to provide a calming effect during labour, and if that is the kind of music you normally like, fine. But I think it is more important for a labouring woman to feel like her regular self, and that includes a familiar musical atmosphere. As long as your favourite music is not truly jarring, go with it, not something unknown. If the music you've always enjoyed is Motown or accordian polkas or whatever, that's what you should play in labour, in my opinion. 

[memz]

At my last birth, I used the music from my prenatal yoga class... I figured I'm used to relaxing on that music so it should help... And it did, it played pretty much the whole time I labored.

[Kaydove]

Originally Posted by mamabadger 

My feeling is that music for a birth should be the music the mother normally enjoys and which has good associations for her, rather than some special, unfamiliar "birth music." There is music sold specifically to provide a calming effect during labour, and if that is the kind of music you normally like, fine. But I think it is more important for a labouring woman to feel like her regular self, and that includes a familiar musical atmosphere. As long as your favourite music is not truly jarring, go with it, not something unknown. If the music you've always enjoyed is Motown or accordian polkas or whatever, that's what you should play in labour, in my opinion. 

I'm a punk rock girl at heart and my DH and I were just talking about putting some AC/DC on the birth playlist! I had to laugh because I guess my favourite music is jarring. I'll also definitely have some Ramones, Journey, and the Cure on the playlist. I'll probably make a loud and a quiet playlist.
I definitely agree, choose music you already like, not just something that's labeled birth music or something someone else recommended. I want my favourite songs playing and nothing makes me feel happier and more energized than Sheena is a Punk Rocker by The Ramones. :) I want to feel like I can rock this birth and when I'm needing a pep talk or to gather all my energy, than play something loud! I'll also have a playlist of quiet songs I love, probably Bright Eyes and Damien Rice, for those times I need to relax.
 

[treespeak]

I put on headphones and listened to an album that resonated with me during both of my two homebirths. I didn't do background music as that isn't my style.  Also, I couldn't have planned ahead: I just knew at the time what I needed to hear.  Consider music that touches you emotionally. . . get out your favorite 'cry album' and let it rip. 

[olw3k]

yeah, i just put songs that i love on a playlist... songs that i won't instantly want to skip if they come on... it ranges from instrumental to rock to country...

[Celticqueen]

Adiemus, Adiemus, Adiemus!!! The most perfect birthing music of all time. I have all of their songs on my "Birthing playlist" which is played for all of my births. 

Their best 3 songs are: Elegia, Kayama and Adiemus (self-titled). 

In fact, I love them so much that I've considered having my husband film this birth since he's a filmmaker, and putting "Elegia" as the background to the video. It played while my 2nd baby was born. Brings tears to my eyes everytime I hear it

I also like Enya too. Anything that is super calming, Celtic sounding or new-agey I just adore

[Celticqueen]

I also wanted to suggest certain film soundtracks: Gladiator, Home (documentary about earth- really powerful, gorgeous soundtrack), Children of Dune, certain songs from Lord of the Rings like Enya's 'Council of Elrond' and Isabel Bayakdarian's 'Evenstar'

Now I'm just rambling...I could go on and on but I won't :) Big fan of music for birth! Must be the musician in me I guess...