Music ideas for labour

What about "Enya"? it's quite inspiring, empowering yet relaxing at the same time...
At those $2 dollar stores you can buy cheap CD's with relaxation music on them like listening to birds/rainforests/ocean that's nice i think i would use that for my labour...

If you like listening to the trance / dance stuff, I don't see why you should change as any other music may bother you in labour.

Yeah I agree... Listen to your normal music, Iam going to as it will be more soothing that some annoying music I dont liusten to but bought coz I thought it would be calming... Water trickling would do my head in as would a bird chirping!!!

But I plan to take in some Reggae & also my Lauryn Hill Cd with the Zion song on it for my baby boy!!!

thanks girl
i just didnt think all da bass and thumping would be good through labour but like jooleshere said other music mite annoy me i didnt think of that......

I reckon take what you like and what you are used to, other music would drive me nuts. I've just tried to put together a selection of CD's with a mix of funk, acid jazz, and 70's stuff (Cat Stevens for example) so there's some get up and move stuff along with some slower stuff. But all things I am familiar with, so I can get lost in the music.

My midwife said that she attended a labour and birth where they played Led Zeppelin the whole time! Said she was a bit sick of stairway to heaven for the seventh time (!!) but recommended to bring in music that is to your tastes - can help you get into the zone and maybe even birth quicker!

Im with the other girls, take stuff that you normally listen to. I have a mix CD with techno, Creed, Powderfinger and Hooverphonic. My Doula gave me a whole heap of Nature sound CDs to listen from and I just cant stand them. But we decided to take them along as well just in case.

Do you have iTunes? You can listen to a sample of each song before you buy it to see if you like it.

Me, I'm into pretty girly music, so I'm taking my iPod which has Brooke Fraser, Missy Higgins, Sarah Blasko, those kind of girls on it. I also sleep to relaxation music at night, so have that as well.

I do agree with the other girls though, go with what is familiar to you - because your bub is familiar with it too!

There's some excellent trancey/world stuff out there that probably's got enough beat in it to keep you happy but a bit more mellow to help you zone out there. Here are a few suggestions (some of my faves)

Steam (Hamam) - Soundtrack (this has got a heap of stuff in it built around Sufi trance rhythms, it's the most amazing thing)
Baraka - Soundtrack
Anything of the CDs by Dead can Dance or Lisa Gerrard's later albums
There are a lot of 'coming down' collections with really mellow grooves (ie I've got a Sunday morning coming down compilation)

Hope a few of these help!

I've used music to good and bad effect in my labours.

With my first labour I thought that it would be appropriate to listen to relaxing rainforest music with water trickling and birds chirping etc. I thought that trying to stay clam would be my main aim. When the day came and I was in labour I tolerated it for about 2 songs then demanded that the bloody thing be turned off!!! LOL It was so annoying because it was going against the grain of what labour is all about! I was moving around in active labour and it was hard work... it wasn't time to rest! Imagine doing something really hard physically like pushing your broken down car uphill... would you like to have someone beside you saying "relaaaax... be calm.... just rest" ??? No way!!! You'd rather Bono from U2 start shouting "In the name of looove!" encouraging you to keep on pushing... that you could do it! etc. The soothing forest music was lovely however AFTER the birth when I had my little one curled in my arms and I needed to mentally wind down...

Ok... so armed with this new knowledge I chose more carefully for my third labour. (During my second labour I didn't have any music at all). I used my portable MP3 player and listened to Kate Bush with ear plugs. This was brilliant. I could quickly flip between high energy songs to calm songs depending on what stage i was at. When the pain was great I lost myself in faster music and during transition... when everything kinda stopped for a while I switched over to her softer ballads.

I personally don't like heavy metal... but during painful active labour I would definatley listen to that then slow soft lilting music! LOL

Oh and during the final scary stage of my last labour I decided that I didn't want to wear earplugs anymore... because I wanted to tune back into what the doctor and my DH were telling me... however someone switched on a radio... I can't remember if I asked for it or not... but GOLD 104 was playing really bad 80's music... and weirdly I kinda felt secure listening to that... it was like a reminder that the world was still turning... that the near-death experience I was enduring would soon pass and that all would be well. Finally, after listening to a song i didn't like, Footloose came on... and I thought to myself "oh God, this will do!" (the baby had been stuck for quite a while at this point) and pushed him out just incase something even worse came on afterwards! LOL

Moral of the story: have a variety of songs/styles on hand... you never know what will hit the spot at each particular stage... a good bet is to have music that touches your heart-strings... that says something deeply profound and encouraging to you. Also, even in labour, laughter can also be the best medicine... consider that as well :)

ETA: I agree with marydean... trance could work very very well! Familiar is good!

ok well i mite do 2 cds one with abit of trance/come down songs on it and one with a mix of things dat mite work dat way i have a bit of everything just in case.... i wanted music when i was in labour with my daughter but it all happened to fast so i didnt get time to put any music on...

I had some relaxing rainforesty type music, but like Bathsheba it annoyed me pretty quickly. I thought it would be really helpful in getting me to calm down and relax but it didnt really work that way for me! It was the only music I had rbought with me, so I think I ended up having no music for most of the time.

In hindsight I think I may have enjoyed listening to my "normal music" more than the relaxing music.. because I could relate to it and understand it more if that makes sense. In labour, I was not about to "relax", I was not going to lie down and go to sleep, lol. I did havemy portable MP3 player with me, which had the music i usually listen to, but I was in the shower for alot of my labour and the MP3 isnt water proof! But it was nice to listen to that music once I got to the post natal ward.

I took a few CD's with me (Robbie & The Whitlams) plus my iPod. Ended up listening to Mix 101 on the radio instead! That actually worked really well for me, as I was listening to the announcers talking and it was good. Suprisingly, also just listening to my 2 support people (DF and best bud) talking was good - I just listened and joined in whenever.

My hint though - if you're videoing anything (we videoed the very last bit, after Patrick was born) then don't have The Biggest Loser on teev!

I'm compiling a couple of mix CDs for when I go into labour.

Apart from the commonsense view of playing what you actually enjoy (stuff this garbage about playing babies Mozart - I can't stand him! Ditto Enya!) does anyone have any suggestions about music that gets you in the mood? Fast, slow? Is singing along usually something people want to do, if they normally like doing it in the shower ... ?

Are preferences likely to change depending on which stage of labour you're at ? (Ron Sexsmith for the first stage, Cold Chisel for pushing?)

Liz

Hi zabel,
I love the idea of music playing during labour. It's something i might try to think about this time around. However TBH, when i think back to my labour with DS, which was perfect and beautiful, natural and empowering - and everything positive, I don't think i could've cared less what music was playing!! I actually think the TV was on in the room, but i was so self-absorbed and concentrating in my own little head space I wasn't aware of much else - particularly through the pushing stage!
Having said that, I think i am going to make more of an effort to create a bit more 'atmosphere' this time... just haven't really thought yet what. Will be interested to see what you come up with!

I'd be inclined to just put all your fav's together. Whatever makes you feel good.
Elizabeth was born to Sunrise over Sea by The John Butler Trio.

We had Missy Higgins and Brooke Fraser playing during the labour - but honestly, I didn't hear a darn thing after about 4cm dilation!

i had just the radio on and i dont remember it being on when i got into the zone!!
but in saying that i would go with the music you like!

i listened to fallout boy on the way to the hospital
unfortunately i was in an ambulance for 1 1/2 hrs to the city hospital whilst in labour and they dont play music lol

I took along heaps of CDs (relaxing ones, upbeat ones...etc) but in the end the first one that went on stayed on (Bjorn Lynn "Soothe" CD). Once my contractions started in earnest I was entirely focused on breathing and really didn't pay much attention to anything else. So that CD played for about 8 hours!

Hi Zabel

I can't speak for experience as I'm currently compiling my CDs too! I'm aiming for stuff that will distract my mind ie. the opposite of relaxation, stuff that makes me sit up and take notice and want to bop along a bit. I haven't had chance to play much music in the last few months and found that when I did start selecting some the other day, I got SOOOO excited and was dancing around the room (which is not entirely good as I have a very dodgy back and pelvis).

Anyhow, I figure that's good - will hopefully take my mind off contractions though might raise my blood pressure cos I get REALLY into music. I've chosen stuff that's quite repetitive and with good chord changes that always hook me in. So that's for the early stages.

Then I've also put together some more full-on stuff for pushing.

And I've specified in my birth plan "do not touch the music".

Everyone I know has told me that once you're in labour you'll find music really annoying or won't notice it's there but I just want to have the option up my sleeve anyway.

Have fun choosing!

What great replies!

but no one mentioned Barry White (sob!) . I guess he's what got us into this mess in the first place... thanks everyone

My husband's a big Metallica fan ...but it's MY labour, heh heh

Liz

My midwife recommended bringing a real variety. As what you think you might like may be the total opposite IYKWIM. So take some really relaxing music, as well as something different (GnR for me LOL)

I put together a heap of my favourite songs, including the song we had as our Wedding Dance...even bought an ipod to listen to the songs & I'll be honest everything happened so quick I was in the labour room before I knew it & didn't even think twice about my ipod ($200!!!worth). At one stage I remember the midwife making a comment about putting on some Music & after that I can't even remember hearing it. I was too busy chatting to DH to take my mind of things, concentrating on breathing & wishing each contraction away to even think about it or anything else. Though I do use the ipod each day in DS room to get him to sleep so it has been worth its money LOL.
Put on whatever makes you feel good. I probably would go more upbeat than mellow, to keep you pumped so to speak.

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Erin

I was just thinking during labour I would like to have music on my ipod or something to block out everything else. But I couldn't think of what music. Then it occurred to me to check out itunes. There seems to be a lot of meditation/hypnobirthing/relaxation music etc but I don't know what's good.

Anyone have any recommendations?

I found silence for me was the best when I was in hospital, just wanted everyone to be quiet so I could focus :lol: but everyone is different of course!!

I tunes have some fantastic relaxation music and meditation music Heaven!! Get onto I tunes and download some, there is heaps!!

So as the tittle says - i'm after some suggestions for my labour and birth music.

I have a few of my own favs that i will be putting on which i will list so you can get an idea of my taste etc but i'm really open to any of your suggestions.

I am mainly after chill out kind of music but i'll probably make a couple of albums with upbeat songs too so i can vary and change to how i am feeling.

I didnt make or use any music when i was in labour with DS but for some reason i have this burning desire to this time!

Some of the music i will be putting on there will be -

This years Love - David Gray
Tiny Dancer - Elton John
Breath in Now - George
Roxanne - George Michael ( a fun track which i love lol)
Clocks - Coldplay
Summer Fling - KD Lang
Halo - Beyonce
Bubbly - Colbie Caillat

Plus lots more but you get it :)

What inspired you or what did you birth to or what do you just love and suggest i have?

TIA

Beth's birth song is Shine by Shannon Noll
Jordy's is Little Wonders by Rob Thomas.
I got a feeling by Black Eyed Peas always makes me smile
HTH

ooooh i like those

I got a feeling is definately going on there! thanky you.

Gosh, and i didnt even think about a song to give birth to - Maybe i should use Elton Johns 'Circle of Life' like on The lion king :rofl: Now that would be something to talk about :)
Seriously though, i now i'll be on a mission to find one.

The song I heard in my head when DD was born was 'Sweetest Thing' by U2. Then the day we went home, DH brought the car around and as I was strapping DD into the car 'Sweetest Thing' came on the radio. Whenever I hear it I always think of the moment DD was born ;)

Next time around I'd like to have music playing...

I had a classical CD I wanted. During the birth of my Boy Wonder, Pratman "forgot" to get it. Even after he'd been out to the car, home and back again... not happy! (Next time, homebirth - I just put the CD on all by myself! Oh joy and wonder.)

But the song that reminds me of my labour is ABBA's Super Trouper. Not just because I was sick and tired of being two weeks late and people making silly comments. Not least for the fact it felt like I was facing 20'000 people yet still felt so alone. Or "so imagine I was glad to hear you're coming/Suddenly I feel alive". More that I was there when he arrived and when I took him in my arms and held him tight - that really did mean so much that night!

DS1 was born to Joan Armstrong 'Love and Affection' and DS2, I think it was Dido. On my labour mix on my ipod I had lots of Jewel, particularly like 'absence of fear'

I always had music with me to play but never actually put it on!

lullaby by the dixie chicks was a firm fav in this house!

I played chants & very peaceful music at my births. However the song that always always stops me in my tracks, brings a knot in my throat is Lightning Crashes by Live. It's about the circle of life. It's powerful. It has come on the radio on the way to the hospital with all my babies. It's come on when I've gone to births - it's just "my song"!

"Lightning Crashes"

lightning crashes, a new mother cries
her placenta falls to the floor
the angel opens her eyes
the confusion sets in
before the doctor can even close the door

lightning crashes, an old mother dies
her intentions fall to the floor
the angel closes her eyes
the confusion that was hers
belongs now, to the baby down the hall

oh now feel it comin' back again
like a rollin' thunder chasing the wind
forces pullin' from the center of the earth again
I can feel it.

lightning crashes, a new mother cries
this moment she's been waiting for
the angel opens her eyes
pale blue colored iris,
presents the circle
and puts the glory out to hide, hide

thank you for all your replies. I love Lightening Crashes too - i just put the CD on! There are so many beautiful songs out there.
Waddling off to add a few more to my list ;)

all the music we listen to is rock lol. i know there are some slower ones but do u think it will be distracting/annoying having that kinda music in labour?
sorry for hijacking the thread

I dont know if it will be distracting or not. I didnt have any music with ds but for some reason i feel the need to with this baby. I just have this urge to get a cd or 2 together :dunno:
Ds's labour was obviously my first, he was prosterior and didnt turn and it was long and i hadnt slept for 3 days and i just did what i had to to get through it. This time i feel alot more in control with a plan and i'm hoping that some chilled out music will help me along the way and if it doesnt then i have a nice cd to play inthe car :D

For my first labour i thought i would want relaxing "sounds of the forest" type music... but when the time came it actually annoyed me! Labour (well for me) was more like running a marathon... imagine struggling up a hill not knowing if you are going to get to the top and listening to relaxation music? For me the two don't go! So by the time I had my third labour i had refined my playlist to Kate Bush LOL Her albums have a great blend of active labour energetic music combined with softer songs for times when you are in transition or between contractions and need a break... i just flicked between tracks as needed. I also wore ear plugs so the music could be played loud enough to enfold me and keep me in my "zone" despite the hospital staff coming and going and other people talking about sport results etc. ETA: Kate also did all the screaming sounds i wanted to make but was too self conscious to make hehe

Thinking along the lines of Bathsheba, I'm thinking this could be a marathon labour. I've never laboured so have no idea what to expect.

I think I'll pick my most motivating songs, which for me are those 'doof, doof' songs I use in fitness classes, but I'll have a 'laid back' version of music too. Reading everyone elses suggestions I think I am a bit unusual...