Music for Labor

OnWayto3

So many places recommend having a playlist for labor, which sounds all good and well; however, I have NO IDEA what to put on my list! Of course I know music that I like, but not sure this qualifies as 'good for labor.' What music are you putting on your cd's/ iTunes/ whatever? I'm thinking two distinct types-- one for focusing (softer, fewer lyrics) and one for the hard work (faster, powerful). Thoughts?

hilgspritch

FTM here. I started listening to this playlist on Spotify called Yoga Morning while my husband and I practice for labor. After a while, I added songs from there that I really liked to my own personal playlist. I also plan on asking my yoga teachers the names of some of the songs they play in class to add to my list. I only have a "relaxing" playlist with barely any lyrics.

Our childbirth class teacher said it's a good idea to listen to the same songs while practicing because your brain/body will memorize that relaxing reflex during labor. Same with scents (i.e. Essential oils) My SIL said she needed it to be quiet during her labor, but I'm glad I'll be prepared if I do indeed want music!

Would love to see other suggestions!!

AlyLynn07

Just throwing this out there, but I could not come up with any song ideas that I thought would be relaxing/helpful for labor with DS1. We ended up not bringing anything music-wise, and it worked out fine. For me, I think I would have either been annoyed at what was playing, or (more likely) just not even realized that anything was on. I felt like my mind was just in another place entirely, kind of oblivious to what was going on apart from the contractions. I think the lyric-free background music as mentioned above would be fine though!

janat1717

I love Krishna Das for yoga and think it will be great for birthing too... Calming, powerful and energetic all at the same time!!

kbbtah

I went to Dollar Tree and loaded up on $1 CDs of piano, raindrops, and other stuff you hear while getting a massage. Also, my friend who's a therapist recommend the following website for free relaxation/imagery audios: www.excelatlife.com Click on Psych Audios at the top.

babybean9

I'm extremely turned off of the idea. I would find it very annoying to have music, I need to concentrate and get into my own head space.

amabarne

Check to see if your hospital has a special music channel for birthing. Mine has several suites that do as well as docks for your iPod or iPhone too. If we won't get one I plan on packing my little Bose Bluetooth speaker.

celliott72

I guess I'm the only one who doesn't want soothing music lol... My playlist includes Michael Jackson, Prince and Bob Marley. FTM here so I might end up hating my decision but we'll see!

HoosOnFirst

I'm thinking comedy podcasts to get my mind off the pain. I'm guessing that's not practical.

katyertl

Maybe add some LED lights...

RondaRassat

i plan on having a play list of nothing but christian music....itll keep me focused on Jesus- and also help keep me calm while glorifying the one who blessed me with my son. TO HIM BE THE GLORY FOREVER AND EVER AMEN---

klkonwi

Id like to make a playlist of the reg songs I listen to for the start of my induction when I'm bored as crap. Country, some rock. For actual pushing id prefer it quiet and just focusing.

ngaines27

Music? For labor?? Really? People do that?

walshbunnie

I'm planning to play nothin but gangsta rap this time around. This kids gonna be living the thug life from the get go.

lovethatcolosun

I like the down tempo techno. It's rhythmic, generally lyric free, and can blend into the back ground. I'm hoping I can find a station on iTunes or pandora.

pixieprincss

I'll be using the Ambient station on Pandora. Just a warning for those having hospital births: see if the hospital allows the bandwidth required for streaming! With DS1 (my one hospital birth), they did not and I was really bummed. If I had known, I would've loaded up with more downloaded music.

Frogger5

lovethatcolosun said:

I like the down tempo techno. It's rhythmic, generally lyric free, and can blend into the back ground. I'm hoping I can find a station on iTunes or pandora.

Have you tried Songza? I recommend checking it out - you can find a playlist in advance if you want.

KonaCoffeeBean

I'm not inclined to make a labor playlist or anything, but I'll bring my iPod with me; I have a pretty diverse collection. I'll just put on whatever sounds good at time.

lovethatcolosun

@Frogger5 I hadn't heard of that. Thanks for the tip!

Frogger5

lovethatcolosun said:

@Frogger5 I hadn't heard of that. Thanks for the tip!

I love that kind of music too, but not enough to like, buy it myself or know what artists/groups I would even look at. So, I pick something from Songza that has to do with "chill" or "groove" and usually am happy !

devyns2nd

I just can't! I'm particular about my music and I don't want to get distracted during labor by a song I'm not feeling at that moment. Plus I don't think the nurses wanna listen to the music I like anyway.

mindaa

lovethatcolosun said:

I like the down tempo techno. It's rhythmic, generally lyric free, and can blend into the back ground. I'm hoping I can find a station on iTunes or pandora.

Pretty sure I'm going to want something similar - that's what I listen to when I need to focus. But it's hard to predict! Hoping Pandora works, but I'm downloading an assortment of stuff too, just in case. If nothing else, might be nice to have some familiar tunes the next day during recovery. 

1stnelsonbaby

We are planning a homebirth and my husband is a musician so if I need it, he can play whatever I want on the piano. I couldn't imagine anything else; I would probably get annoyed.

KaLikeAWind

Like @lovethatcolosun and @mindaa I'm probably going to go with downtempo techno. I know my hospital has WiFi and can stream Pandora cause I did it when I was there for my 3 hour GTT, so I'll probably try something like my Glitch Mob station or something like that. Its mellow but not sleepy mellow. I'm one of those people that I need to be distracted a little bit to be able to relax. If none of my 'chill' techno Pandora stations cut it (not chill enough) then I'll just have DH create a new one. He'll be looking for something to do, anyways, lol

klkonwi

Would it be bad if I just brought wine with me to my delivery? Screw everything else....... Lol

MeganElizabeth321

I really want to create a push mix using all music with "push" or other related phrases. It's a short list so far, but Push It by Salt 'n' Pepa is at the top of that list!