The Best Music to Listen to During Labour

Music has an extraordinary way of moving us. It can lift our spirits, soothe our souls, and even ease pain. So, it’s no surprise that many birthing parents turn to their favourite tunes to help them through labour. In fact, research shows that music during labour isn’t just a feel-good add-on—it can offer real, measurable benefits.

The Benefits of Listening to Music During Labour

It turns out, music can be a powerful companion during labour! Several academic studies have highlighted the positive effects of labour tunes:

• Music can help take the edge off labour pain. A 2021 systematic review and meta-analysis found that listening to music during the active phase of labour significantly reduced pain intensity, even if it didn't shorten the duration of labour.
  
• Listening to music during labour eases anxiety. Fear can turn up the dial on labour pain, but music brings cool, calming vibes. A randomised controlled trial published in Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation showed that music reduced both anxiety and pain for first-time birthing parents. Those who listened to music even needed less pain relief after giving birth!
  
• Picking tunes gives parents a welcome sense of control. There’s a lot you can’t control in labour—when your baby arrives, how they make their debut, or how it all feels. It’s overwhelming! One thing you can control? Your playlist. Birthing parents can take an active role in their experience by stepping into the DJ seat. Research from Music Therapy Perspectives found that music therapy during labour helped participants feel more relaxed and empowered.
  
• Music supports healthy vitals. Another bonus: Listening to music has been linked to positive effects on heart rate, blood pressure, and even bub’s well-being.

The Best Types of Music to Listen to During Labour

While there’s no one-size-fits-all playlist for labour (your favourite songs are a brilliant starting point!), research points to a few music qualities that can be especially helpful:

• Pick music you love. Studies show that personal preference matters. Familiar, favourite songs are more likely to promote relaxation and positive feelings.
  
• Choose calming tunes. Slow, soothing music—think classical pieces, acoustic ballads, gentle instrumentals, or soft ambient tracks—can help lower stress and create a peaceful environment.
  
• Match your tempo. Research from McGill University suggests that music that matches your natural tempo may provide greater pain relief. During early labour, slow beats might feel best, while faster tempos might give you an energy lift later on.
  
• Build a flexible playlist. Labour is a journey! You might want a variety of tunes to match different moods—relaxing music for early labour, upbeat tracks when you need a boost, and meditative melodies for moments of deep focus.
  
• Consider nature sounds or instrumental music. Some birthing parents find ocean waves, gentle rain, or classical piano especially grounding and comforting.

Whether it’s a calming lullaby, a favourite acoustic song, or even the sounds of a soft thunderstorm, music can be a powerful companion during labour. And the best part? It’s a simple, safe, and completely customisable way to bring comfort to your birth experience. So, start curating your labour playlist...your future self will thank you!

More Labour Prep Tips:

• Science-backed labour relaxation techniques
• Natural ways to induce labour: fact vs fiction

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REFERENCES

• The effect of music on labor pain and duration: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Advances in Mind-Body Medicine, 2021
• Effect of music on labor pain relief, anxiety level, and postpartum analgesic requirements: a randomized controlled study, Gynecologic and Obstetric Investigation, 2013
• Music therapy in labor and delivery: a pilot study, Music Therapy Perspectives, 2001
• When using music to alleviate pain, tempo matters, McGill University Newsroom, 2023

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