Is a Birthing Playlist on Your ‘To-Do’ List?
You may or may not remember the songs played during your labor and delivery. Norah Jones, Come Away With Me is the only song I remember and I was in labor for a LONG time with my first child. Music speaks to us in different ways, and for some they can take it or leave it.
Music may be a tool that helps you get to laborland or maybe it’s a tool that allows you to focus on the words of encouragement and empowerment in the lyrics. Maybe music allows you to tune out other noises that could distract you from the crazy hard work you’re doing.
My playlists in class generally start off soft and relaxed, allowing Mamas to come onto their mat so that they can have quiet contemplation about their pregnancy. Mamas can begin to settle into their bodies, to breath, and appreciate community of women that surround them. As we begin to move I like to pick up the beat a bit moving into music that you can’t help but sway and circle your hips to the rhythm, like Gooey by Glass Animals- birth is gooey, what a perfect song! Or Beyond by Leon Bridges, oh man, this song just makes you want to let your body move organically and let it all go. I love songs that offer encouragement or empowerment because when you’re having a baby it’s one of the hardest experiences you’ll go through, but the reward is pure joy and love! Songs like Fear Not by Kristene Dimarco or Strength Courage & Wisdom by India.Arie or I Can’t Wait to Meet You by David Ryan Harris. When we get to the ultimate pose, Goddess, I play something that is upbeat bring energy for the pose and hold it, even when discomfort arises, challenging the body both mentally and physically while working through breath and swaying to work through the discomfort. Songs like Brave by Sara Bareilles, or Halo by Beyonce or Roar by Kathy Perry or Superwoman by Alicia Keys or really step it up with Confident by Demi Lovato! These songs can help get to the finish line or the top of the mountain.
Bringing it down to return to a place where Mamas can really consciously connect with their pregnancy lends itself to calmer slower music, sometimes with lyrics, other times instrumental. Some like I Can’t Wait to Meet You by David Ryan Harris or Mother by Brandi Carlile are beautiful songs with lyrics that speak of the journey women are on in pregnancy. Or, instrumental songs like Bless This Morning Year by Helios or A Spark, Carried on a Breeze by Roger Saint-Denis.
Putting together a playlist can be fun for a partner to put together, or putting the playlist together. Think about the genres you like, the mood you want to create in your scared place during birth. Ask friends, ask your yoga instructor if you hear something you enjoyed during class.
Full Circle Yoga KC is family centered yoga studio in Midtown Kansas City specializing in Aerial Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Prenatal Yoga, Baby Yoga, and more.
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