[pearl2]

I found a thread over 3 years old so I thought I'd start a new one.

What are people's experiences with music during labor? I'm super musical and thought this would be an excellent way to go through labor/delivery. The problem is that I don't know what style of music (or if any!) I will want to hear. Right now I love those meditation type soothing music CDs I listen to while getting a massage. I'm putting a lot of those on there, but I can also see myself really dig some untz untz music with a disco-esque beat since I do well with that type of music during really intensely physical activity like trail running up mountainsides.

We've even thought to put some funny songs about pushing on there, like Trey Anastasio's "Push on Til the Day" and "Push it" but not sure if I'll be in a humorous mood!

My friends always joke around that we're going to birth to Phish's "Divided Sky" or something like that. It might just happen! I AM taking this LO at 37 weeks to an indoor Phish show, so maybe hearing familiar tunes a few weeks later will encourage her to come out!

I'm starting a playlist now that is mainly soft acoustic, mellow, singer/songwriter style of songs. I've got some fabulous chanting music and really mellow meditation music.

We're using a birthing center that's very music-friendly, so we'll be "allowed" to have whatever we want going on.

What have you found helpful or do you have any interesting music stories?

 

[KBinSATX]

You may find that what you like in early labor could be very different from what you like (or don't like) during transition or pushing.
Just have some music prepared but also accept that when things get really intense the only sound you will want to hear might be your own.

Have a great birth!

 

[LiLStar]

I'm going to have a few different CDs out of varying styles (a couple mellow, soothing ones, a couple good rock ones) and may or may not listen to them. I like the idea of music, which is why I'll have it available, but I think there's a good chance it might just bug me. I can think of specific times where I've felt like I was going to throw up while in the car, and the music that was playing almost seemed to make it worse. So I'm wondering if maybe I'm the type to not like music when I'm not feeling great, physically? I'm pretty sure I'd like it in early labor while I'm still more or less functional.

 

[beebalmmama]

I knew I wanted something mellow and soothing. I think anything too pumped up, would be agitating for me. I had a couple of cd's of native american flute music, which are very meditative. I really appreciated it and will use something similar this time.

 

[momma E]

When I was pregnant with my first it was really important to me to have a playlist prepared. During early labor I really enjoyed listening to the music I picked. It helped me move and dance around some. But when I was in transition music was the last thing on my mind, at one point someone tried to change the c.d and I just yelled out "Forget the %$#@@#% music!!!"

 

[dearmama22]

I had a relaxing cd going on during labor with different piano songs. I don't even remember it.. I was to into labor to hear the music!

And, I left it at the hospital. Opps!

 

[pearl2]

Thanks for the suggestions and experiences. I actually have one to add to the thread!

I have completely forgot about how awesome Pandora is--free internet theme stations. You type in an artist you like, and they'll select similar artists and build you a playlist. They also have a genre search and there's some GREAT stuff in the new age section featuring nature sounds, ambient, etc. This is definitely a candidate to have on during labor--no downloading required, just free streaming. There's some Native American flute music on right now!

 

[weliveintheforest]

I listened to Folk Alley streaming radio on itunes during my night time labour and it ended up being perfect. It was very nice and mellow, which was what I needed. By the time things were really active and I felt pushy, I no longer cared about the music.

 

[mamatoady]

Well I learned with my dd that I cannot listen to music with words that I know because I'm so accustomed to singing along and I was so NOT in the mood to do that during labor.

With my son (homebirth) I listened to the CD Liquid Silk on repeat for 7 hours. It's a little bit naturesque, some voice--but no words, very meditative type stuff. I don't want to take away from the sacredness of birth and for some reason having upbeat music would seem to lighten too much for me, the "deepness" of the event....does that make sense?

Sarah