Labor & Delivery Playlist
Is there a song that you can’t stand? Like every time it comes on the radio you have to change it immediately before your skin starts to crawl? For me, one of those songs has always been Sting’s “Desert Rose”. Unfortunately, I will forever have that song seared into my memory as my second son was coming into this world. Not the song I wanted to have attached to one of the happiest moments of my life, but alas, I didn’t have a playlist prepared and that is what happened to come on the Pandora station that my doula chose when I was too far gone to request any of my own music 😊
That being said... If you take the time to plan ahead, the music is one thing that you can control during your labor and delivery when everything else from your birth plan might go out the window! Think of what you want the mood to be in your delivery room. Do you want energy and focus? Or do you want it to be as chill and relaxed as possible? Use the music that fuels this kind of mood for you. Not only is it beneficial to you but it also sets the mood for the professionals and/or support people in the room with you. You can even customize a playlist to follow the intensity of the birthing process. As you get further into your labor you might want music that will help keep you motivated and positive. Or, you might want music that will soothe and reassure you.
Working on this project with your partner is also a really special bonding experience. Find a time that you can come together once or twice a week to add a new song to the playlist. In the busy and hectic months leading up to your due date it is really nice to have some focused time that you can connect with one another over your baby. These are strange times that we are living in today, and the sad truth is that some partners may not be allowed in the labor and delivery room. While I can’t imagine what you mamas in that situation are feeling right now, using a playlist that you have created together with your partner can help you feel emotionally connected to them even if they cannot be physically present.
Just… whatever you do, take it from me... don’t let Pandora choose the music for you!