Music during labor « Back to Group Discussions

[MamaInTheDesert]

What's going to be on everybody's birth playlist?

I feel like I want some earthy-tribaly-drummy stuff, but I haven't ever found any actual CD's that I like of that kind of thing. I wish I could find something that just sounds like random group of people got together and started a drum circle. Out of the music I have on hand now, I'm thinking maybe some fun reggae for early labor, and some chants for later on when I need to center myself.

[PrincessSputnik]

I've never done this before, so I have no idea what's appropriate, but for some reason I have this vision of David Bowie's Space Oddity playing at some point during labour. :)

[snugglebug14]

OP...my ideal playlist sounds a lot like yours altho I too am looking for some good pre-recorded drum circle type music. Can't I just have a drum circle doing their thing in the background during my birth? Or my yoga class chanting om? haha if you find a good cd pass along the info!!

when i was a doula i was at one birth where the mom had made a bunch of mixed cd's to play during labor. they were all very random. however, right was she was crowning johnny cash "ring of fire" came on. The entire room went silent for a moment and then burst into full bellied laughter. even mom started to laugh. it was such a great moment.

[Sarasyn]

Um...for tribal drum music, there's Tribal Drums, Tribal Dances and Itneen by Fat Chance Belly Dance and Helm.  I think Gypsy Caravan has five or six CDs out now?  They've got a lot of drum pieces in them.  My favorite track from them is called Procession.  I'd select the tracks that you like and make a mixed CD out of them.  They're all available for download on iTunes and Amazon, so you can pick out the tracks you like and leave the rest.  It's cheaper that way, especially since they have a lot with that horn instrument (I can't believe I can't remember the name!) that they use in the Middle East, that high pitched whine.  I couldn't stand that in labor, personally.

What about looking for African drum rhythm CDs?  I know there's a lot of variety out there.  A lot of the rhythms used at drum circles are actually African in origin, so it might be good to take a some time and listen through a few samples.  If I come up with anything specific, I'll let you know.

This is exactly the kind of music I'm looking for myself, so if I find anything good beyond my own collection, I'll definitely let you know!

[jocelyndale]

Last time I had a variety of playlists and I meticulously labelled my music by genre.

And then I wanted NO noise.  NO talking, NO music, NO footsteps, no sounds of water lapping the tub, no breathing, no freakin' lights buzzing.  NOTHING.  

[KristaDJ]

I had a huge playlist ready last time and then I didn't use it at all, I just vaguely listened to the radio lol I think this time I will birth to the sounds of movies that the kids are watching so that my husband can tend to me. In all honesty I hope this kid is born to Harry Potter playing in the background LOL 

[BroodyWoodsgal]

Originally Posted by jocelyndale 

Last time I had a variety of playlists and I meticulously labelled my music by genre.

And then I wanted NO noise.  NO talking, NO music, NO footsteps, no sounds of water lapping the tub, no breathing, no freakin' lights buzzing.  NOTHING.  

Totally the way it goes!! Love it!

[Sharlla]

this http://www.amazon.com/Released-Heart-Kerri-Sherwood/dp/B00004SZSN  she composed and plays piano and its very beautiful

[mudhugger]

My play list has lot of Krishna Das, Deva Pemal, Buddha Bar, Enigma, and music from the Liquid Mind box set just because I teach yoga and this is the stuff that I associate relaxation with-- but I also have some random stuff-- African Journey from Baraka soundtrack; Ghana Ethnic Music from Tribal Chants; Water Drums from African Tribal Music; african drums from Musica Africana.  Maybe looking for these albums will lead you to something that fits you? hth

[wanderinblues]

first on my list is the be good tanyas, and anything else with lovely female vocals and a sweet, bluegrassy feel. also, mazzy star, i find them very soothing. and sigur ros.