Labor Playlist: Non-Cliché Songs for Labor and Delivery

Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound and personal experience. As you prepare for labor and delivery, you might be thinking about how to make this moment as smooth and memorable as possible.

One way to enhance your birthing experience is by creating a carefully curated birthing playlist. Music can be a powerful tool in managing stress, fostering relaxation, and even energizing you during labor.

In this guide, we'll explore what makes a great labor and delivery playlist and offer suggestions for songs and genres to include.

What Is a Birthing Playlist?

A birthing playlist is a collection of songs specifically chosen to accompany the labor and delivery process. This playlist can serve various purposes, from soothing and relaxing to energizing and empowering. The right music can help you maintain focus, stay calm, and make the birthing experience more enjoyable.

Whether you're aiming for a tranquil atmosphere or need a burst of energy, a thoughtfully chosen playlist can be a valuable asset.

What Makes a Great Labor and Delivery Playlist?

Creating an effective birthing playlist involves more than just picking your favorite songs. Consider the following criteria when crafting your playlist:

1. Emotional Impact: Choose songs that evoke feelings of calm, happiness, or empowerment. The emotional tone of the music should align with your preferences and birthing goals.
2. Tempo and Rhythm: The tempo of the music can influence your energy levels and mood. Relaxing, slow-tempo songs can help with relaxation, while upbeat tracks can boost your energy.
3. Personal Connection: Include songs that hold personal significance or resonate with you. Music with sentimental value can provide comfort and encouragement.
4. Variety: A well-rounded playlist should feature a mix of genres and tempos to suit different phases of labor. Include soothing tracks for early labor, upbeat songs for active labor, and empowering tunes for transition.
5. Duration: Ensure that your playlist is long enough to last through the various stages of labor. Aim for at least a few hours of music to avoid repetitive listening.

Best Songs for Labor and Delivery

Welcoming a new life into the world is a profound and emotional experience, and the right music can play a powerful role in setting the tone for this unforgettable moment. Whether you're looking for soothing melodies to help you relax, empowering anthems to keep you motivated, or sentimental tunes to connect with your baby, our carefully curated list of the best songs for labor and delivery has something for every mood and moment. Dive in to find the perfect soundtrack for your birthing journey.

Relaxing Labor Songs

When it comes to labor, staying calm and centered can make all the difference. Relaxing songs create a soothing atmosphere, helping to ease tension and promote a sense of peace during the birthing process. Here are a few songs to help keep you calm during labor:

• Breathe – Pink Floyd
• Ripple – Grateful Dead
• Every Breath You Take – The Police
• Universal Sound – Tyler Childers
• Stay Forever – Ween
• Baby Mine – Alison Krauss
• The First Time I Ever Saw Your Face – The Temptations

Example Pandora Stations:

1. Acoustic Chill
2. Relaxing Indie
3. Soft Rock Classics

Upbeat Songs for Labor

During labor it’s important to keep an optimistic outlook, and listening to more upbeat songs can help lighten the mood. Here’s a few songs that can help keep the happy thoughts flowing:

• Father And Daughter – Paul Simon
• Better Together – Jack Johnson
• Tiny Dancer – Elton John
• Hardly Ever Rains – Theo Kazman
• Waste – Phish
• Baby Be Mine – Michael Jackson
• Forever Young – Rod Stewart

Example Pandora Stations:

1. Jack Johnson Radio
2. Classic Rock Hits
3. Upbeat Indie Pop

Empowering Birth Songs

Songs with empowering lyrics have a unique way of lifting our spirits and igniting our inner strength, especially during labor. These powerful tracks are designed to inspire and motivate, helping you stay focused and determined:

• Ain’t No Mountain High Enough – Marvin Gaye
• Wild Horses – The Rolling Stones
• Baby I’m a Star – Prince
• Born for This – Paramore
• All My Love – Led Zeppelin
• I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing – Aerosmith
• The Greatest Love Of All – Whitney Houston

Example Pandora Stations:

1. Empowering Pop
2. Classic Rock Legends
3. Inspirational Rock

Songs About Birth

The act of giving birth is incredibly inspiring and many musicians have written about their personal experiences of bringing life into the world. Here are a few songs that you might relate to while you begin your transition into parenthood:

• Isn’t She Lovely – Stevie Wonder
• Lullaby – The Chicks
• You & You Alone – Umphrey’s McGee
• Small Bump – Ed Sheeran
• Sail to the Moon – Radiohead
• Arms Wide Open – Creed
• Beautiful Boy (Darling Boy) – John Lennon

Example Pandora Stations:

1. Newborn Joy Radio
2. Emotional Rock
3. Heartfelt Acoustic

Funny Labor and Delivery Songs

Even though giving birth is a huge life event, some people prefer to keep the mood light. Humorous song choices can help keep a playful and lighthearted atmosphere to take your mind off any stress during labor. Here’s a few examples:

• Baby You’re Out – Mac DeMarco
• I Wanna Be Sedated – The Ramones
• Mammas Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys – Waylon Jennings & Willie Nelson
• Get It Out Me – Janet Jackson
• Baby Got Back – Sir Mix-A-Lot
• I’m Coming Out – Diana Ross
• Push Th’ Little Daises – Ween

Example Pandora Stations:

1. Comedy Rock
2. Quirky Indie
3. Fun Pop Hits

Heavy Songs About Birth

Sometimes you need something to bring your energy up. While it may not be everyone’s cup of tea, many couples prefer heavier music to other alternatives. These are some heavier songs that can match the intensity of labor:

• Born For One Thing – Gojira
• Pushit – Tool
• Born in Dissonance – Meshuggah
• Unborn Again – Exhorder
• Born of Fire – Slayer
• The Birth of Tragedy – Amon Amarth
• Born Stubborn – Sepultura

Example Pandora Stations:

1. Heavy Metal Radio
2. Thrash Metal Essentials
3. Extreme Metal

Labor Playlist FAQ

Do I need a labor playlist?

While not essential, a labor playlist can enhance your birthing experience by providing emotional support, relaxation, and energy.

Should I play music during labor?

Many people find that music helps with managing stress and can provide something to focus on. It can also create a comforting environment.

Does listening to music help with labor?

Music can help distract from pain, create a soothing atmosphere, and even boost your mood and energy levels.

What kind of music is best for labor?

The best music for labor depends on your personal preferences and the stage of labor. Relaxing music works well for early labor, upbeat songs can energize you during active labor, and empowering tracks can provide motivation during transition.

How long should a birthing playlist be?

Aim for a playlist that lasts several hours to cover the duration of labor and delivery.

How many songs should be on a labor playlist?

There’s no set number, but having a diverse selection of songs that spans at least a few hours is ideal.

What music should I listen to during a C-section?

For a C-section, consider music that is calming and reassuring, as the environment will be more clinical and less dynamic.

The Bottom Line

Crafting the perfect birthing playlist involves selecting music that resonates with you, suits your labor phases, and enhances your overall experience.

By considering the emotional impact, tempo, personal connection, and variety of songs, you can create a playlist that supports and uplifts you during this transformative time.

Whether you prefer relaxing tunes, empowering anthems, or even a touch of humor, your birthing playlist can be a powerful companion in welcoming your new arrival.

About MiracleCord

MiracleCord is a trusted leader in cord blood banking, committed to preserving the valuable stem cells found in umbilical cord blood and cord tissue.

With state-of-the-art facilities and a steadfast commitment to excellence, MiracleCord offers expecting parents the choice to safeguard their family’s health and well-being through innovative stem cell preservation solutions.

Call us today at 888.743.2673 or check out our free cord blood banking guide to learn more.

DISCLAIMER: THE INFORMATION ON THIS WEBSITE IS NOT INTENDED TO BE USED AS MEDICAL ADVICE.The materials and information contained on the MiracleCord website is provided for educational and informational purposes only, and is not intended to, and does not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis, and should not be used as such. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease. If you are seeking personal medical advice, you should consult with a licensed physician. Always consult with a qualified health care provider regarding a medical condition.