Monday, July 6, 2009

Music in Labor

I have heard many different types of music played while women are laboring. I remember hearing Enya over and over and over again at a particularly long birth. At the time I actually liked Enya, but not only was our laboring woman listening to Enya, but she was listening to it played throughout the entire home. After around 24 hours, with no escape, I had heard enough Enya for at least the next 10 years.

I have also heard a beautiful Catholic rosary song set on continual repeat at two different births. At both births, I eventually found myself unintentionally singing along, but also after both births, realized I could no longer remember the words. Then a couple of weeks ago I heard Jack Johnson, one of my personal favorites, but it was short lived, I think it lasted 3 songs.

At that same birth we also listened to her husband sing some beautiful folk music while playing guitar and ukele. We even listened to Cat Stevens "Peace Train", that exact one on youtube, along with a couple other of his songs. Pretty groovy birth to say the least.

I never did listen to any music during any of my labors. However, I think if I was to be in labor right this moment, I would want to listen to either Canon in D (since that is mine and Chalan's song and it is somewhat relaxing) or maybe some Cheryl Crow or maybe Maroon 5.

What music did you listen to when you were in labor? Or, if you never listened to any music in labor or while birthing, if you were to spontaneously be 9 months pregnant, and in labor, right now, if you had to pick music, what would you pick?

4 comments:

  1. anything by Barry White. Oh you said labor?? I thought you meant the conception, sorry.

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  2. Okay first I have to crack up about Chalan's comment.

    Then I have to say I can't stand Enya and the idea of listening to her over and over again makes me shudder.

    Third, I never thought about listening to music during birth, but then again, I was at a hospital each time so that likely wasn't an option. I"m not sure what I'd choose, probably quiet sonatas or something...

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  3. Okay Liz, if I were spontaneously pregnant right now...I think I'd shoot myself. No, I'm just kidding. I have always enjoyed Native American music and Mexican music, but since living here in Italy I have been especially homesick for the Native American music. So I would have to say that that would be the music I would choose for giving birth. It is extremely relaxing for me and takes me to a place that has wonderful memories for me.

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  4. rofl Chalan! You are too funny! Barry White might be pretty good for labor as well. You know, Ina May Gaskin talks about kissing and things with your husband while in labor, maybe you're on to something. ;)

    I'm with you Amanda. I think I probably would ultimately just prefer something soothing and peaceful as I tend to like quiet while I am in labor.

    Pam, I bet the native american music would give a really earthy, tribal feel to the birth.

    Right now I'm listening to Chalan sing silly kid songs to the kids, and that would be something I could listen to in labor as well. :)

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