What Music Did You Listen To In Labour?

[GeorginaA]

I'm trying to think through what I would like to listen to on the day. I'm guessing what I need is something with a reasonable beat (but not too overwhelming) and without lyrics to distract too much.

I thought Deep Forest would fit the bill as I remembered loving that and finally tracked down a CD, but now I'm sitting here listening to it I've realised that actually I associate it with some very strong feelings of depression I had about a decade ago - it wasn't until I listened that it came flooding back! So, not the best choice, probably

So, what did other people find helpful during their labour, or did you end up planning a musical extravaganza only to completely forget to turn the CD player on?

Ooh, I remember Deep Forest! I think I might have some very funny flashbacks if I tried to listen to that in labour!

So far with both labours, the first thing that happened was that my waters broke and I had to go straight into hospital, so no chance to listen to music. However, maybe this time it will be differnet (and haven't completely ruled out going for home birth).

I usually have a big music-listening session on a Friday night - will see what I can come up with! I really like William Orbit - do you know any of his stuff?

Both times we used a Classic FM, Smooth Classics triple CD - bought one before ds was due and then another one came out just before dd was born. Very soothing and lovely. We call them "music to give birth by". I also made a tape of fave songs for ds's birth, and remember turning to dh during one contraction and groaning, "this is our song".

No don't know any - will try and see if I can find some soundbites on the net. Ta

Yes, didn't realise how strong my emotional response with Deep Forest would be... I'm guessing complete despair and futility isn't the mood I should be going for in labour

I suppose the corollory to that is not to choose any music I am too fond of in case I associate it so strongly with childbirth & pain that I never want to listen to it again!!!

LOL wilbur

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If you prefer mellow dance music type stuff try Zero 7 or Lemonjelly.

I'm not sure that I necessarily do normally go for dance music as my usual musical taste. I think I'd have to pick classical music quite carefully to get some good upbeat ones.

I'm well aware that music can quite considerably affect my mood, so want to take advantage as far as possible. My yoga teacher has a great CD which is similar to Deep Forest in that it's mixed natural & tribal sounds but with a strongish beat... quite good for "going inside yourself". I like that idea, but at the same time (to echo another thread on mumsnet at the moment), I don't want something really new agey with dolphins

I suppose it doesn't really help that I don't know what I want myself, does it?!

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Ooooo ... GOOD idea secur - I'd forgotten about them... I wonder if I still have a CD of them knocking around somewhere...

I like that idea, secur, lovely music. Georgina - forgetting about birth for a sec, what's your favourite song? One that always makes you happy?

I didn't even think of taking in any music at all for DD's birth, although it was mentioned in the parenting classes. Did have a TV in the room though and I remember during the inudction (took a couple of days) we did have thatt on and off during the time.

Avtually birth ended up being a cs and only noise I remember then is the voices of the surgeons and MW, and then DD's cry of complaint at being brought out of a warm place into the relatvely cold air.

None
each time
Iam spookily silent in labour

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wilbur ... promise not to laugh? No really ... promise? It's a really tacky album, but it's one I stick up really loud and bop to everytime I hear it...

It's 5ive "Invincible"

I have good taste normally, honest.

runs away

Thank you secur

I've found it though - Shaka Zulu... going to play it now...

Foo Fighters at home and then the sweet tones of women bearing down and begging for drugs once we got to hospital

"Torn" by Natalie Imbruglia I think it was actually Magic FM anyway, we didn't choose it. DH gets no end of amusement out of that song now.

or "rip her to shreds' - blondie

I was listening to the radio - and the only hit I can remember was - "All that she wants is another baby ... " who was that ? Ace for Bass or something like that ...

Ooooh yes and that depressing REM one ..... " Sometime ???"

I planned music but didn't want it, when it came to it. The MW put Radio2 on and dd was born to 'I Left My Heart In San Francisco' by Tony Bennet.

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Fantastic GeorginaA!!! I too am a closet 5ive fan. Love, love, love Move On Up (is that the right title), such a happy song. Hmmm, I was hoping that might give me some inspiration to suggest other bands for you to try as labour companions, but I'm struggling now Will have a think.

It's Keep On Movin' and yes that's my favourite song on the album

"Get on up when your down,
Baby take a good look around
I know it's not much, but it's okay
We'll keep on Moving On anyway"

Going to have to put that album on now

Maybe I should make lots of different compilation CDs... one calm and soothing, one boppy and uplifting, one rhythmic and primal...

... and then take my husband's suggestion and ditch them all in favour at Radio 4 so I can scream at all the news items with Blunkett or Hodge as the subject... grin (well, it would take my mind off the labour pains!)

I think compilations would be the right way to go. If you find some music gives you energy, then make a CD of that in case you flag anmd need cheering up, but remember you may just not want to listen to anything. I made so much noise in both my labours that the CD was pretty much incidental. Afterwards though, with dd, I had an hour of getting to know her and listening to Norah Jones. It's the loveliest memory, and brought back every time I hear her singing.