From the article: Music for Labor and Birth - Choosing Music to Be Born to...
Music has long been known for its calming effects, which is equally true in labor. But you might think you need to choose classical music to reap the benefits. Not so! Rock and roll, pop, heavy metal - you like, it works. The bottom line is that if it makes you feel good, then it can help you in labor. So what's on your play list? Share Your Selections
Two pregnancies
- I am 5 ft 4 in tall and normally 132 lbs. During my first pregnancy at 38 yrs, I gained 50 lbs. I breastfed baby for almost 2 yrs and despite that, I did not loose every pound I had gained. After pregnancy, I remained at around 140 lbs without being able to shed the extra 7-8 lbs. During my second pregnancy at 40, I gained 55 pounds. Baby was overdue by two weeks. I breastfed for several months and a little over a year after birth, I had regained my pre-pregnancy weight (132 lbs). After pregnancy 1, I did not exercise regularly, although I was taking long walks. I was eating lots of sweets. After pregnancy 2, I had a lot of outdoors activities and did exercise regularly and I did not crave for sweets. People tell me all the time that we wouldn't tell I have had two babies. Thanks to exercise and healthy eating. It's not easy to loose the pregnancy weight at least at my age.
- —Guest Melany
No Music
- Usually voices and noises makes me more upset when I am in pain, I am limiting even the number of nurses in the room just so I won't hear noises. but again there will be a song that will be repeated in my head. I am not sure what it will be from now till then, usually a VERY random song that has no personal meaning.
- —MsEmma24
Music for labor
- I do not plan to have any music for labor. When I was in labor with my son, I couldn't stand to have any sound because I hurt so bad. After I got the epidural, my husband, my friend Sherrie, and I joked around and told stories until it was time to get to work.
- —angeleyes35586
Planning on mixing it up
- I plan on listening to all of my Jack Johnson albums and Colbie Calliat. I also have a few great relaxation play lists that I know will be great since I've used them before when I was attending births as a doula!
- —Guest Erin
Just compiling playlist
- Early labor, 1-4 centimeters, I haven't decided yet. Harder labor, 4-7 centimeters, compiled some entertaining hits of 1983-88 Gunners Sweet Child of Mine, Springstein's I'm on fire, Kim Wilde- Keep me hanging on, Tears for Fears-Shout, True Colours, Livin' on a Prayer, Tell it to my Heart, Life in a Northern Town, Private Dancer & Toto's Africa! Intense labor, 7-10 centimeters, Going hard with Tool Lateralus album. I used it for my distance running in the past so I associate it with overcoming pain! Pushing: Send me an Angel, Labie Haba by DJ Sammy. Birth: 3 opera-amici whisper of angels etc, then tba. I am almost 37 weeks & pumped for my vbac!
- —moshol
Heavy Metal!
- When I get pregnant and go into labor, I'd want Heavy Metal for sure!
- —Guest Jill
Different Things for Different Times
- In early labor I liked energizing music. I walked and danced to pop songs. As things got more intense I loved Norah Jones and James Taylor. I recommend putting a lot of different mixes on your MP3 player and then letting the music fit your mood. It can really make a difference!
- —maelli3
Changed my mind
- I was glad I had not gotten around to a play list, I just brought my iPod. I was really glad because all the music I was going to listen to drove me nuts and the stuff that worked, I never would have guessed. It was some stuff from high school. LOL Oh well, I danced until I was in transition. Not well, but you know what I mean...
- —Guest Rochelle
