Choosing a Birthing Playlist: A Guide For Expectant Parents
Bringing a baby into the world is an incredible journey, and every detail counts in making the experience as smooth and memorable as possible. One of the most effective yet often overlooked tools in the birthing toolkit is music. A well-curated birthing playlist can help set the mood, ease anxiety, and even provide motivation during labor. Here’s how to craft the perfect playlist and the best streaming services to use to prepare for the big show - bringing your new baby into the world!
Why a Birthing Playlist?
Music has a profound impact on our emotions and can help in various stages of labor:
Relaxation: Slow, soothing tunes can help calm nerves and create a serene atmosphere.
Motivation: Upbeat songs can provide the extra push needed during intense moments.
Distraction: Familiar favorites can help distract from the discomfort experienced during birth.
Genres to Consider:
Classical: The gentle and harmonious nature of classical music can be very calming, or choosing a more dramatic piece can be inspirational in the moment.
Jazz: Soft jazz can create a relaxed and cozy environment. Keep it in the woodwind family if you want to maintain a softer presence, or pump it up with some big brass tunes if you’re wanting more of a punch!
Pop and Rock: Upbeat and familiar pop or rock songs can energize and motivate, as well as keep you distracted and give you something else to focus on in the moment. Choose some of your favorite bands to get you through the toughest parts of your labor and birth.
Nature Sounds: Tracks featuring ocean waves, birdsong, or rainforest sounds can be incredibly soothing, especially during early labor or when you’re trying to rest.
Sound Waves and Frequencies:
Binaural Beats: These are special sound waves that can promote relaxation and focus. They work by playing slightly different frequencies in each ear, which your brain processes as a single tone. Look for tracks with theta (4-8 Hz) and delta (1-4 Hz) waves for maximum relaxation.
155 BPM: Songs with this beats-per-minute count are proven to override the brain and help you focus on the task at hand. If you’re feeling like you need some help to lock in and focus during labor, these upbeat songs might be the trick!
Best Streaming Services for Birthing Playlists
When it comes to streaming music, there are several options, each with unique features and pricing. Choosing which one to utilize can be tough, so we’ve included some information below to help you make your choice:
Spotify
Price: Free (with ads), $9.99/month (Premium), $14.99/month (Family)
Features: Extensive library, ability to create and share playlists, offline listening with Premium.
Why It’s Great: Spotify’s algorithm can help you discover new music that fits your taste, and there are plenty of pre-made birthing playlists to explore.
Apple Music
Price: $9.99/month (Individual), $14.99/month (Family), $4.99/month (Student)
Features: Large music library, high-quality audio, offline listening.
Why It’s Great: Seamless integration with Apple devices and curated playlists tailored to different moods and activities, including childbirth.
Amazon Music
Price: Free (with ads), $9.99/month (Unlimited), $7.99/month (Prime Members)
Features: Vast library, ad-free listening, offline playback.
Why It’s Great: Amazon’s music library includes many options for relaxation and motivation, plus it’s a good choice if you’re already an Amazon Prime member.
YouTube Music
Price: Free (with ads), $9.99/month (Premium)
Features: Access to official songs, albums, and user-generated content, offline playback.
Why It’s Great: YouTube Music is excellent for finding rare tracks and unique playlists that might not be available on other platforms.
Creating Your Playlist
Start Early: Begin curating your playlist well before your due date. This gives you time to test out which songs work best for you and adjust accordingly.
Mix It Up: Include a variety of genres and tempos. You might need something calming during early labor and something more upbeat later on. You can achieve this by either making one giant playlist with chunks of different genres and types of songs, or multiple playlists based on the mood needed to get you through!
Length Matters: Aim for at least 4-5 hours of music. Labor can be unpredictable, and it’s better to have too much music than not enough.
Personal Favorites: Include songs that hold special meaning to you and your partner. Familiarity can be very comforting, motivating, and inspiring.
Sample Playlist Ideas
Relaxation: “Clair de Lune” by Debussy, “Weightless” by Marconi Union, “Bach: Cello Suite No. 1” by Yo-Yo Ma.
Motivation: “Eye of the Tiger” by Survivor, “Roar” by Katy Perry, “Happy” by Pharrell Williams.
Distraction: “Let It Be” by The Beatles, “Don’t Stop Believin’” by Journey, “Someone Like You” by Adele.
Final Thoughts
Test Your Playlist: Listen to your playlist in different environments to ensure it sounds good wherever you might be birthing.
Create Multiple Playlists: Have different playlists for different stages of labor and different moods and needs.
Stay Flexible: Be open to changing the music on the fly based on how you feel and communicate this with your birthing team and partner. You won’t be able to DJ while you’re trying to focus on pushing!
Crafting the perfect birthing playlist can be a beautiful part of your preparation for welcoming your little one. With the right tunes, you can create a soothing, empowering atmosphere that supports you through every contraction and moment of joy.
