music to listen to during labor--seeking suggestions

[Anonymous]

I enjoyed listening to my favorite music early on; singing along did help get through contractions. After things got really going, I have no idea what played. I do remember my husband asking me at some point what I wanted next and my snapping at him that I didn't care what *&#$ music was playing. I don't know if he put any one at that point or not For my 2nd delivery, I stayed home until the "really going" point and didn't bother with music at the hospital. But I'm sure the really relevant bit is your relationship to music; I don't like listening to music while I work either.

[Anonymous]

Ha--the 07:54 poster is right on the money! My husband created a labor mix for my ipod but I never used it (our baby came fast). But it wasn't filled with Enya; instead, it was filled with classics like Salt N Peppa's "Push it Real Good" and Queen's "Under Pressure." The choice selections made me laugh, even if I never used the actual playlist while it labor....

[Anonymous]

I am laughing at the thought of trying to listen to music while I am feeling like my stomach is going to explode. Hey--if you are that zen then good for you and I would go for a Michael Buble--he's single now so you might get a nice visual of kissing him while you are at it

[Anonymous]

I know OP asked for music options, but I really enjoy comedy and musicals, so I thought movies would be a good distraction. We brought a portable DVD player and at the beginning of labor, I watched several I Love Lucy DVDs and then I watched Chicago (with Katherine Zeta-Jones). The nurse came in and started to laugh when I was singing "All That Jazz". She asked if I felt the contractions (she was looking at the monitor) and when I said yes, but I am busy singing she just left the room chuckling.

When the contractions got bad I did prefer quiet and not being touched. I plan to bring movies again for our 2nd.

I think you have the right idea to take a variety of options in whatever media you choose.

[Anonymous]

My friend wanted Eye of the Tiger played when she got to the active labor stage - I giggle at the thought of being able to hear that out in the hall but hey - it must have worked!

[Anonymous]

Bach Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin. I didn't think I would want music, but this was absolutely perfect.

[Anonymous]

I went through all the songs on my iTunes and made a playlist of my favorites (mostly mellow, some upbeat, some celtic singing, some intrumental, mostly singer/songwriter type stuff). We used the same music while doing our Bradley exercises, so when we put it in an iPod dock and it played at the birth center it was very comforting. It was over 2 hours long, and we just put it on repeat the entire 24 hours were were there. It helped keep me relaxed and centered. Best part was that when my son was born, the cool Hawaiian version of "What a Wonderful World" (by Israel K. somebody) was playing. Couldn't have planned that if we tried, it was gorgeous!

[Anonymous]

Brian Eno "Music for Airports"